THE Applecross Community Company welcomed local households into its first community-owned accommodation on the peninsula – the first "affordable" houses built in Applecross for 18 years.
This community-led development of three accessible homes is a milestone for the area – built in response to concerns about the lack of good quality, affordable accommodation for the local community.
The development of An Toll Bàn (“the fair hollow”) was undertaken by the Applecross Community Company (ACC) with support from the Communities Housing Trust (CHT). The homes will be managed by CHT on behalf of ACC and offered at an affordable rent level.
Since its establishment in 2008, ACC has delivered a range of community benefit projects with the aim of improving the resilience, sustainability and prosperity of the Applecross community.
The site for these new homes was purchased by ACC from NHS Highland in 2020, with support from the Scottish Land Fund. The project’s construction has been supported by the Rural Housing Fund, SSE’s Sustainable Development Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Applecross’ community-owned hydro project Apple Juice. Kinellan Building Ltd was contracted to build the homes, which are also affordable to run – a key factor in tackling fuel poverty.
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Elderly residents or those with additional health needs and local connections to the area were prioritised for these accessible houses as a way to support the intergenerational sustainability of Applecross. Close to the GP surgery, the homes provide improved access to health facilities if needed, and NHS Highland was supportive from the outset. One of the homes is wheelchair accessible.
In addition to the An Toll Bàn properties, ACC will also be developing further affordable houses and community facilities on another site, which – it is hoped – will enable young people and families to remain in the community.
Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “I am delighted to see the completion of these three accessible homes. We want everyone to have a safe, warm affordable home that meets their needs and by ensuring we have accessible homes, then people can live independently in their own homes for longer in the community they wish to live.
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"Community-led projects, such as this, highlight the benefits that the Rural and Islands Housing Fund provides, and even a small number of homes can make a huge difference in our rural communities.”
Owen Kilbride, chair of the Applecross Community Company, said: “Tackling the crisis of affordable housing in Applecross is a priority for us and we are very excited to see local residents moving into their new homes.
"Our thanks go out to NHS Highland, the funders who supported the project, and to CHT and Kinellan for completing the build on budget, despite the pandemic’s uncertainties. This is only the start and we shall be building further affordable homes for our community in the coming years.”
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