Information Bulletin
23 July 2004
Proposed development of 6 new houses in Sound, Lerwick
The housing service currently has 185 applicants on its waiting, transfer and homeless list. In addition it is expected that there will 112 individuals with learning disabilities by the year 2014, who will require housing. Therefore, there is a pressing need for new affordable housing in Lerwick.
In an effort to try and meet this demand the council is already working in partnership with Hjaltland Housing Association to try and meet this increasing demand.
In order to try and supplement these activities the council is proposing to build six two bedroom properties on the "green" area between Nederdale and the "Fishbox" shop. The properties will be funded in a partnership agreement between, SIC, SLAP and the Scottish Executive. The houses will be managed by the council's housing service. Tenants will be allocated from the council's current waiting lists.
It is intended that the proposed houses will be designed in a way that will allow the six two bed houses, to be readily converted to 3 bed and 1 bed if required.
It is intended that the 6 new houses will add to the councils housing stock in the area. The ratio of these 6 properties that would be used for general needs, homeless or tenants with learning disabilities, would be dependant on the prevailing demand at the time they might be available.
The use of some of these houses for individuals with learning disabilities would free up other properties in Lerwick for general needs use. Any properties used as part of the independent living scheme in this way would be supported by SIC social work staff.
In order to consult further with the community, there is to be a public meeting at Sound Public hall on the 27th July 2004. Staff from the councils housing and social work service will be in attendance between six thirty and eight thirty to answer any questions.
Anyone with an interest or a view is welcome to attend.
Councillor Gordon Mitchell the housing spokesperson said, "There is a desperate shortage of rented housing in Lerwick. These proposed new houses will help to improve the situation: by providing affordable housing for some of the people at the top of the Council waiting lists. Without these new houses many deserving people will have to remain in limbo indefinitely. The scheme should therefore be welcomed by all."
Ends.