Glespin community plan affordable homes.

An exciting event is on the horizon for the community of Glespin, as plans for a community-led affordable housing project are set to be unveiled at the end of this month. Hosted by the Glespin Community Group (GCG) and South of Scotland Community Housing (SoSCH), a drop-in meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 30th May at 6:30pm in Glespin Community Hall.
During this event, members of both organisations will present an overview of the progress made so far and shed light on the next steps for this important project. Recognising the significance of affordable housing in securing a sustainable future for Glespin, a former mining village with a population of under 150 people, the project aims to address the community’s housing needs.
GCG has been proactive in seeking funding opportunities for the project, having submitted applications to the South Lanarkshire Council Renewable Energy Fund (REF) and Rural Housing Fund. Additionally, they plan to submit an application to the Scottish Land Fund for further support. The upcoming phase of work will involve conducting a feasibility study, creating a business plan, and developing architect-led concept designs for a limited number of new, energy-efficient homes on Hillview Crescent.
Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, expressed his support for the project, encouraging local residents to attend the event and learn more about the future of community-led housing in Glespin.
Speaking on behalf of Glespin Community Group, Ashlay Smith highlighted the positive response received from the Housing Needs and Demands Assessment conducted last year, underscoring the clear necessity for affordable housing in the area. The upcoming event is seen as an opportunity to delve deeper into the specifics of this need.
Mike Staples, Chief Executive of SoSCH, emphasised the importance of the localized Housing Assessment in identifying and addressing local housing needs. He expressed SoSCH’s commitment to collaborating with Glespin Community Group and South Lanarkshire Council to explore various options for community-led housing in the region.
For groups within a 10km radius of a participating renewable energy development, grants from the South Lanarkshire Council Renewable Energy Fund are available for both capital and revenue projects. Those interested in learning more about the fund can visit the South Lanarkshire Council website or reach out to the Funding and Development Team via email at FundingandDevelopment@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.