This is the second news update on the projects side of the business and below is the latest information on the wide variety of items underway.
Following the feedback from the last issue, we have noted the comments and decided to have hard copies available in the shop, as well as displayed on notice boards.
As you can appreciate there are a lot of ideas presented for potential projects, and these are all under consideration. These will then be added at the appropriate time to this News Update and circulated. If you have an idea that you would like to be considered then please use the Community Survey to bring that idea forward. If you wish to contact any of the SCD Board on any issues the contact e mail addresses are listed below. We are all open to ideas and questions.
This is the second news update and we would appreciate your feedback on the timescales and the way it’s presented: –
| Affordable Housing | Affordable Housing continues to make excellent progress. As previously explained, it has been challenging times to progress construction projects in today’s market, which has slowed things down. However, we are now pleased to announce all of the main elements of the project are secured. Extra grant funding has been agreed and we are ready to be able to get to the next phase. Our planning application has been submitted, but has not progressed due to securing other elements of the project. This and the building warrant will now be the focus of the appointed contractor 7EVEN Construction based in Aviemore to move this forward. Once all statutory consents are in place, the site will be made secure and ground works will commence. We anticipate the timescale for the groundworks to start early Spring 2022, weather dependent!
SCD will deliver 6 houses and 2 self-build plots. Tomatin Interest can be registered for SCD properties via the Community Housing Trust website under future opportunities: https://www.chtrust.co.uk/future-opportunities.html or by telephoning 01463 233549 As part of our significant grant funding package from The Rural Housing Fund, we aim to offer affordable, rented and secure accommodation to local people who are finding it increasingly difficult to find a home in our community in which they need to live and work. Therefore, an Allocations Policy for community-led housing will be developed and adopted to ensure that there is a transparent and fair process applied. We are legally required to comply with this. Ensuring any allocations are based on a housing need, that fulfils the required criteria of the Policy. This is a strong requirement to comply with our funding. The allocations and management will be outsourced (again a requirement of our grant funding) to a reputable Lettings Agent who has a strong background and experience in allocating and managing affordable housing for community -led housing projects. We will seek to apply a local allocation scheme to balance the relative needs of applicants’ household circumstances with the priorities of the local community. The Highland Council will build 2 houses and 4 cottage flats. 2 x 3 Bed 6 Person Semi-Detached houses 4 x 1 to 2 person cottage flats These will be allocated via applying to The Highland Housing Register: https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/925/council_housing/244/apply_for_a_house/6 It is likely the development will be fully completed in 2023 |
| Paths Project Sect 7 |
A revised drawing to incorporate some design issues, redirecting the flow of rain water is near completion. Once this has been issued and discussed, and hopefully resolved, we can then move to the next stage, which is for The Highland Council to advertise the tender opportunity for both paths. We are hoping that this will be achieved within the next few weeks. |
| Paths Project Sect 8 |
We applied for funding to NatureScot for this section, but unfortunately were not successful as their funding pot is significantly over subscribed, along with our specification that is required to meet with Section 7 does not fit within NatureScots’ prescriptive criteria. SCD continue to look for other funding opportunities as and when they arise. We have also engaged with Transport Scotland in line with the upcoming A9 dualling to explore any opportunities from that side. |
| Traffic Calming Project at Alt Nacrath Bridge and the viaduct |
The Public Consultation period has now ended and we are delighted to report that there were no objections to the proposed speed reduction and traffic calming measures. This now means that these will be formally put out to tender by The Highland Council within this financial year. |
| Gym |
As previously advised by way of a new release this item is on hold pending the outcome of the community survey |
| Dog Litter Bins |
Prices obtained by Community Council in September and passed to SCD for action now awaits SCD Board approval. This is expected to be approved and progressed towards the end of the year |
| Playpark Skate Park | It is hoped this will progress following the appointment of Full time Project Officer |
| E Bikes |
The shelter has been erected, Charger points on site to be fitted and await delivery of the Storage Shed for the Bikes and then this can be completed. This due to a supplier delivery issue out with our control |
| Shop Opening Times |
A separate news release has been issued and the shop will transfer to 3B Catering operation from early November |
| Programme of Events at the Strathdearn |
We continue to publicise a fortnightly look ahead at all events booked in the “hub” and this has been received well by the general community |
