Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Progress Made on Aberlour Affordable Homes, Housing Minister Says
Scottish Government minister for housing, Paul McLennan MSP, recently paid a visit to Aberlour’s Speyview development, where he witnessed the remarkable progress of 39 new affordable homes. This development has been made possible with a grant exceeding £6.3 million from the Scottish Government’s affordable housing supply programme. It has further received support from the Moray Growth Deal’s £7.5m Housing Mix Delivery project, jointly funded by Moray Council and the Scottish Government, contributing towards the overall cost of the £10.1m Speyview development.
These newly built homes are a stepping stone towards the target of constructing 300 affordable homes across the region. Areas like Elgin, Forres, Speyside, and the Buckie coastal region will also benefit from the Housing Mix Delivery project. Springfield Properties, the developer behind Speyview, has meticulously curated a mix of house types catering to the diverse needs of the Aberlour community and the broader Speyside area. From one-bedroom cottage flats to two-bedroom accessible bungalows for those with mobility constraints, and three to five-bedroom houses aimed at reducing overcrowding, all accommodation needs have been taken into account.
The Minister, during his visit to Aberlour, was briefed on the significant infrastructure enhancements planned for the area, including a new junction onto the A95. Moreover, there is potential for an additional 31 affordable homes to be constructed in a subsequent phase of development. The approved planning application for the project includes various conditions such as the establishment of new active travel links, laybys, and bus stops, as well as safety measures like fencing and barriers. Residents will also receive a travel pack to ensure the safe use of transportation options.
Expressing his thoughts during the site visit, Paul McLennan MSP stated, “I was pleased to visit the Speyview affordable housing development in Aberlour to hear about the positive impact that these new homes will have on the community. Supported by over £6m of funding from the Scottish Government and the Moray Growth Deal’s Housing Mix Delivery Project, these homes will play a vital role in enhancing the local affordable housing supply. The development will not only bolster economic growth but will also offer warm and secure homes to meet a wide range of housing needs.”
Tom Leggeat, managing director of Springfield Partnerships, remarked, “We are currently in an incredibly exciting phase for Moray and the Highlands. The upcoming Inverness and Cromarty Firth Freeport, along with the Beauly to Peterhead powerline, are set to bring job opportunities and investment to the region. This influx of investment further heightens the existing demand for high-quality housing, particularly in the northern parts of Scotland.
“We are delighted to have hosted the housing minister at our Aberlour development, where we are dedicated to constructing high-quality affordable homes in collaboration with Moray Council. We are keen on exploring avenues to create more developments like this to meet the urgent housing needs of the region.”
Councillor Marc Macrae, the Moray Growth Deal lead for Moray Council, added, “I appreciate the Minister taking the time to witness the progress of the development, although just in its nascent stages, it will have a significant positive impact on Speyside. We are beginning to witness tangible outcomes of the investment in the Housing Mix Delivery Project now and I eagerly await the continued positive influence on our communities.”
The Moray Growth Deal is a collaborative effort involving the Scottish and UK governments, Moray Council, various partners from the public and third sectors, and businesses. The joint investment will see a pledge of up to £32.5 million from the Scottish and UK Governments respectively, with regional partners contributing up to £35.8 million.
