Aim; With land purchased, planning approval granted, technical team in place working towards B.W. submission, our 10 energy efficient, affordable homes for local people needs to become a reality
Estimated Price
£4,850,000
Estimated costs - 10 mixed tenure affordable homes at an average of £485000 per unit = £4.85million
Over the period 2012-2022 14.3% of our tiny population left to seek opportunities elsewhere and 41% of essential services were classifed as "at risk", The Highland Council's 2024-27 Plan projects a fall in 0-15 year olds to be 15% by 2040. The key factor to addressing depopulation is the provision of affordable housing, without investment local businesses will struggle to maintain staff, the school role will decrease further, the high level of outward migration by young people will continue and the few services available will disapper. The mainly aged population will lack the enthusiasm and incentive needed to explore, investigate and be proactive towards capital opportunities, therefore unable to build community wealth leading to a higher level of dependency on benefits. There is clear support for the provision of affordable housing and evidences the fact that the area is at risk from losing crucial businesses and employment opportunities if suitable housing is not urgently provided
The Community Housing Trust will be responsible for applications to the Rural Housing Fund with Scourie Community Development Company jointly responsible for raising funds from other sources
Our housing project has been in the planning stage for four years, at a cost of £567k so far, including the land purchase, the need to relocate the School Car Park to allow access to the site, the significant pre planning and technical costs leading to RIBA Stage 4 Building Warrant
The building of new homes will address three primary headings within the Sutherland Place Plan: People, Place, Prosperity
Provision of a range of mixed tenure, well insulated and inexpensive homes for lease at an affordable rent
Beneficiaries will be local people who are struggling to find suitable rental properties, businesses with little, if any options to house their employees and the wider community
The supply of such well equuipped homes will increase the economic and social value of the area making it a more attractive place to live and work
The relocated Scourie Primary Car Park will link the school to the new housing site providing a safe route of passage whilst simultaneously freeing up the access to H1, the site zoned for housing development
Families moving to the new development from outlying settlements, some living in old substandard croft type housing expensive to heat will gain financially, rents will be lower than the rates charged by private landlords, the need to travel to the village by car no longer necessary lowering the carbon footprint, such moves will help people better navigate through the cost of living crisis leading to an increase in their general health and wellbeing
Twenty One expressions of interest are currently lodged with the Communities Housing Trust, of those 8 households are considering a move away but wish to remain, 13 future potential home leavers would like to remain and 5 non-residents would like to relocate to Scourie, 3 out of 4 businesses have staff that require accommodation and 3 businesses aim to expand considerably within the next 5 years and require staff accommodation
Provision of Affordable Homes - Outcome Benefits;
Local shops and amenities will see an increase in spend
Improvements in the demographic balance - young families will be encouraged to move to/remain in the area leading to an increase in working aged residents, some with children reducing the risk of school closure
Recruitment of remote/rural GP's and health workers can be challenging, affordable housing provision an invcentive to attract them to the area
A vibrant and thriving community attracts external investment
A low school population evidences the challenges of job opportunities making it difficult for families to stay and settle, new housing will help secure teacher roles and help secure childcare
Housing provision for key workers is essential
Bringing up young families in the village will foster a more inclusive and lively community
New employment opportunities via the Scourie Rocks Project and Seaweed Farming will add to the housing demand
Residents living in the new homes will be financially better off due to the higher thermal efficiency ratings of the new builds
Successful repopulation and addressing depopulation is an already agreed strategy for NW Sutherland and new housing is a key part, as is the desire to help increase the local working age population
Any plots or houses made available for sale will be protected by the Rural Housing Burden in perpetuity
Next Steps; Aims (In partnership with the Communities Housing Trust);
Agree project mix and submit Building Warrant - Sping 2026
Facilitate partnerships - SCDC, key players to help develop H1 ready for construction
Liaise with statutory bodies - SSE, Scottish Water, Planning Department
Agree budgets and advise on changes - Communities Housing Trust
Engage with the community, public event - Summer 2026
Identify suitable contractors and tender the development (difficult when so few are willing to travel to the NW)
Liaise with the Rural Housing Fund to negotiate grant levels
Schedule key dates
Negotiate and let Building Contract based on agreed contract value - Autumn 2026
On the proviso that sufficient funding has been sourced;
Oversee the implementation and satisfactory completion of the works - Late 2026/Early 2027
Arrange for all valuations and certificates in accordance with building contracts
Schedule completion and hand over dates
Liaise with contractors to ensure all necessary conmpletion certificates are available at handover
Liaise with contractors during defects liability period and up to the issue of certificate of completion of making good defects and ensure all defects are addressed
Obtain final account and EA certificate - Late 2027
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