Next steps for community-led affordable housing project

The drop-in meeting will take place on Thursday 30 May at 6:30pm in Glespin Community Hall, hosted by Glespin Community Group (GCG) and affordable housing enabler, South of Scotland Community Housing (SoSCH).

Members of both organisations will give a presentation on work to date and next steps for the project which recognises affordable housing as a key element of providing a sustainable future for the former mining village, with a population of less than 150 people.

GCG have submitted applications to South Lanarkshire Council Renewable Energy Fund (REF) and Rural Housing Fund for the next phase of work and intend to submit an application to Scottish Land Fund. The next phase will include a Feasibility Study, Business Plan and architect-led Concept Designs for a small number of new, energy efficient homes on Hillview Crescent.

Chair of the council's Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: "I would encourage as many local people as possible to come along to this event and find out about the next stages for the community-led housing development in Glespin."

Ashlay Smith, Glespin Community Group, said: "We had an overwhelming response to the Housing Needs and Demands Assessment last year. Through that, we were able to evidence that there is a clear need for affordable housing in Glespin. We are looking forward to drilling down further into the details of the need through this next stage."

Mike Staples, Chief Executive, SOSCH said: "The localised Housing Assessment provides strong evidence around patterns of local housing need. SOSCH is looking forward to continuing to work with Glespin Community Group and South Lanarkshire Council to consider options for future community-led housing."

The View previously reported on the plans for the community-led housing project.

South Lanarkshire Council Renewable Energy Fund grants are available for capital and revenue projects to constituted groups within a 10km radius of a participating renewable energy development.

Find out more by clicking here, or by searching 'South Lanarkshire Council Renewable Energy Funds' online. Alternatively, contact the South Lanarkshire Council Funding and Development Team on [email protected].

A number of other local community benefits are also available, including Coalburn, Douglas and Glespin Community Fund, ORIT Cumberhead Community Fund (Lesmahagow and Coalburn), Dalquhandy Coalburn Fund, ScottishPower Renewables' Hagshaw Hill WindfarmTrust (Coalburn, Douglas, Glespin and surrounding area), Spirit of Lanarkshire Wind Energy Coop (SOLWEC) Community Fund. Microgrants are also available from Community Councils / Tenants and Residents Association.