Published 24 November 2023

More than 800 additional properties will be made available throughout West Dunbartonshire as part of a new affordable housing plan for the coming five years.

 

The Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2024-2029 (SHIP) details the projects, both Council and housing association, likely to receive Scottish Government grant funding.

Despite economic uncertainty and high inflation, the SHIP will deliver an ambitious programme of new build homes across West Dunbartonshire.     

The ambitious plan sets out the aim of developing 500 new affordable homes, and buying back 300 properties.

Priority will continue to be given to regeneration areas and all projects will be required to provide at least 10% specialist or fully wheelchair accessible housing. 

Both the new build and the buyback programmes will prioritise house types which contribute to identified need including the supply of larger family homes and preventing homelessness. 

Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, Convener of Housing and Communities, said: “This is an ambitious plan and one which will make a huge difference to West Dunbartonshire. All homes in the programme will meet the Council’s innovative Housing Design Standard and the highest levels of energy efficiency will also be encouraged, with an air quality sensor in each home.”

The Council is the biggest developer in the programme with around 250 of the new homes being built across locations including Pappert, Mount Pleasant and Willox Park. 

Councillor Hazel Sorrell, Vice Convener of Housing and Communities, added: “I’m pleased that this plan is taking into consideration the types and styles of home that are most needed in our community, and working alongside partners to ensure that these can be delivered.

“We have a number of new developments already on site or due to be on site early next year and I look forward to seeing our tenants in them.”