More than 1000 affordable new homes will be built in Dundee between now and 2021 according to a new report.
The figures are revealed in Dundee City Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) which also highlights the “good progress” being made towards “delivering high quality, energy efficient new build social rented housing”.
Kevin Cordell convener of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood services committee said: “Work has or is just about to start on more than 450 new affordable homes in areas across the city to add to those already completed by the council and its partners.
“New affordable homes will be springing up at nine sites including the former Mid Craigie Primary School, Eliza Street, Seagate and Pitkerro Road which will give us more houses fit for the 21st century that people want to live in.
“In the plan we are also ensuring that efforts are made to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable members of our communities with the provision of wheelchair adapted housing and housing that is specifically designed for individuals who need care and support.”
The Dundee Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2019-24 sets out the affordable housing investment priorities of the council and its partners for the next five years including a particular needs housing target of up to 30% of the total built.
Set against a backdrop of an expected £34.9 million of funds from the Scottish Government Affordable Housing Investment Programme between 2019 and 2021 the rolling plan focuses on meeting housing needs and opportunities to improve choice in communities.
The programme also ensures that existing stable neighbourhoods are sustained and that the council continues to meet the needs of people with particular housing needs, such as older tenants and people with disabilities.
Cllr Cordell added: “Our regeneration programme has already removed some of the poor quality, unpopular house types, to make way for new homes that meet people’s needs and aspirations in the 21st century. By doing that we are also tackling the problem of supply and demand.”
The SHIP commits the council to working with partners to ensure that all new build properties constructed as part of the programme meet or surpass the current building regulations.
Energy efficiency measures such as insulation, solar energy, wind power or other suitable measures will also be integrated to help reduce carbon emissions, address fuel poverty and ensure that tenants live in warm, affordable homes.
Councillors will consider the SHIP at the neighbourhood services committee on Monday (NOVEMBER 19).
Dundee City Council
Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.
