Last week we were delighted to learn that two years of hard work, commitment & collaboration between us, Arran Development Trust (ADT), Denham Benn, Grossart Associates and DSSR came to fruition with planning consent being officially granted by North Ayrshire Council to bring critically needed affordable housing to the Lamlash region of Arran.
This project is the first of three ambitious social housing projects we’re collaborating with ADT on to respond to the island’s threatening population drain. Over the years the island’s buoyant second home and retiree market has inflated property prices to the point that many local people and families can now no longer afford to stay. Without action Arran’s diminishing working-aged population could have critical repercussions for the island’s social and commercial services.
With work beginning in the next couple of weeks, together we’ve shaped an innovative, considerate development which both addresses different housing needs with a combination of one, two and three bedroom houses being constructed. Particular focus has been given to both enabling longterm dwelling by following the Scottish Government’s guidelines on “Housing for Varying Needs” and establishing a sustainable, cohesive community via a variety of shared spaces including a community garden and trail. Working alongside our go-to partner, chartered architects Denham Benn, the designs of the living and shared spaces are stunning – perfectly embodying Arran’s stunning scenery, yet modern outlook using a contemporary mixture of wood & metal to reflect a “rural Scottish aesthetic with a contemporary feel.”
We can’t wait to get to work, we’ll keep you updated on here and social media 🙂