New build council housing nearing completion at Ullapool

17th August 2014

There are just a few months to go until fourteen new cottage flats start to be handed over to their new tenants and owners.

The Highland Council and the Scottish Government has invested approximately £1.75m to transform a derelict site of a former hotel into affordable housing, enhancing local housing opportunities and be positive for the local environment.

Following considerable consultation during the planning process this development has 10 homes for affordable rent and 4 shared equity homes to buy as part of the Scottish Government's low cost initiatives for first time buyers (LIFT) programme.

Vice Chair or the Planning, Environment and Development Councillor George Farlow said: "I am delighted to see the wonderful progress being made on this new development at the former Four Seasons Hotel, Garve Road, Ullapool, which will see 14 new homes for people in the local community to rent or buy. Increasing the supply of affordable homes is a vital part of our efforts to provide good quality Council housing."

Mark McBride, area director for Morgan Sindall who is delivering the scheme, says: "We are pleased to be working alongside The Highland Council to deliver new accommodation in the area. There is a considerable requirement for more affordable housing in Wester Ross at present, so we are glad to be able to help. We always look to work with local suppliers in the areas in which we work and will continue to do so with this project."

New supply shared equity (NSSE) is aimed at helping people who are on lower and moderate incomes who want to buy. You would normally be expected to pay between 60 and 80 per cent of the price, though this can vary. Buying an NSSE shared ownership property makes you an owner-occupier, not a part tenant.

To learn more about NSSE or express and interest in the NSSE units at the Garve Road development units please contact Albyn Enterprises Limited who are agents acting on behalf of Scottish Government and the Council.

A second redundant hotel building has also been acquired by The Highland Council for housing development and will be subject to further community consultation on the end use of the site, with a consultation day has been planned for Monday 25 August 12noon - 7pm in Ullapool Village Hall.