New Aberdeenshire Housing Strategy Published

Aberdeenshire Council has unveiled its latest plan for housing development in the area, spanning a five-year period. The Local Housing Strategy 2024-2029 outlines key priorities aimed at delivering high-quality housing to meet the diverse needs of local residents. This strategy was formulated through collaboration with various partners, elected officials, and tenant representatives.

Throughout the year, public feedback was gathered to shape the plan, which was later presented to Aberdeenshire Council’s six area committees for input before receiving approval from the Communities Committee. The strategy encompasses five primary objectives, including increasing the housing supply, providing diverse accommodation options, and addressing homelessness with a ‘rapid rehousing’ approach. Additionally, it aims to enhance health and well-being in local communities and work towards achieving Net Zero targets while tackling fuel poverty.

Looking back at the previous housing strategy (2018-2023), significant accomplishments were made with the completion of 4,058 private properties, 966 social rented properties, and 81 mid-market and low-cost shared equity properties in Aberdeenshire. Moreover, 132 homes were acquired through the Help to Buy Fund, and 116 empty properties were successfully renovated.

As we look ahead, it is projected that around 2,844 new homes will be needed over the course of the new strategy, translating to approximately 569 homes per year. This projection is contingent upon factors such as planning permissions and funding availability for development projects.

Communities Committee chair Councillor Anne Stirling expressed her enthusiasm for the new strategy, highlighting its collaborative nature and comprehensive approach in addressing housing needs. She stated, “The new strategy builds upon previous successes and provides a clear roadmap for the next five years. This aligns with the council’s broader objectives of fostering a sustainable economy, creating connected communities, and promoting local well-being.”

Vice-chair of the committee, Councillor Sarah Brown, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the ambitious targets set forth in the plan. Despite challenges within the construction industry, she remains optimistic about the strategy’s potential impact. Brown emphasised the importance of closely monitoring progress through annual reviews of action plans, aiming to see a substantial number of new homes delivered across Aberdeenshire in the coming years.