Building Briefs – December 23rd

Over 100,000 energy efficiency measures were installed in homes across Scotland in 2013/14, a new Scottish Government report has confirmed.

Statistics also estimate that households will save in the region of £224 million on bills over the lifetime of the measures installed.

The Scottish Government’s 2013/14 Home Energy Efficiency Programme Scotland (HEEPS) report details measures that have improved solid wall, cavity and loft insulation and fitted new boilers.

Over 34,000 energy efficiency measures were installed across the HEEPS schemes with at least a further 70,000 delivered through UK government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

Between 2009-10 and 2012-13, throughout Scotland, £220m has been invested by the Scottish Government on fuel poverty and energy efficiency schemes.

Download the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland Summary Report for 2013/14.

Affordable housing plans for Innerleithen welcomed

Scottish Borders Council has reached an agreement with Waverco Ltd to acquire three one-bedrooms flats to be built on a longstanding gap site in Innerleithen High Street.

As well as improving the quality and appearance of the High Street, the flats will provide much needed affordable homes for rent in the town.

Agreement has also been reached with Waverco to acquire a further six, two-bedroom properties upon completion of the adjacent Waverley Road site for the council’s new National Housing Trust Initiative. These properties are aimed at helping people who aspire to buy a home to access a high quality property at a below market rent with the possibility of purchasing it after a minimum of five years.

The re-development has been made possible by SBC’s decision to invest in this important project and support from the Scottish Government who is providing a grant of £120,000 from its Affordable Housing Supply Programme.

It is anticipated that both projects will be developed at the same time, enhancing the townscape both in the High Street and along Waverley Road. Completion is due for late summer 2015.

New homes to be constructed in Iona

Five new homes are to be built in Iona, Argyll and Bute Council has confirmed.

The investment will see the homes made available for rent upon completion.

It is thought they are the first homes for rent to be constructed on the island for more than three decades.

The development will consist of two three-bedroom and three two-bedroom terraced homes.

The project will be undertaken by the West Highland Housing Association, while additional funding of £426,000 has been provided by the Scottish Government, as well as £150,000 from Iona Housing Partnership and private finance of £227,000 from West Highland Housing Association. Argyll and Bute Council has set aside £361,000 for the development.

The money has been made available through a Strategic Housing Fund grant and is in agreement with the local authority’s community services committee.

Forfar caravan park announces expansion plan

An Angus firm that was ravaged by fire in 2009 has signalled major plans to expand its business.

Lochlands Caravan Park on the A90 at Forfar was the site of a blaze that could be seen from Dundee on August 25, five years ago.

It came after owner William Stewart spent more than a year and £300,000 developing the site.

While his equestrian centre was lost in the ashes, Mr Stewart revitalised the restaurant and caravan park following the blaze, and has now applied for a 55-pitch expansion along the dual carriageway.

In February, plans to add space for 79 caravans were rejected by Angus Council, but Lochlands chiefs claim the popularity of holidaying at home means it needs more accommodation to meet demand.

Jane Fox, of Fox Planning Consultancy, said the café and restaurant would not be affected by the applications, while the former garden centre will be demolished.

Dundee Waterfront protection works to be considered

Residents of Dundee’s waterfront and City Quay areas are to be consulted about a series of flood protection works.

Work is set to begin in Broughty Ferry to shore up the Esplanade area of the town following a series of storms last year, but a coastal flood study from August 2013 recommended works along the entire length of Dundee’s waterfront, from Broughty Ferry to the airport.

An open day at the Apex Hotel on January 13 and at Discovery Point on January 14 will display initial proposals for the City Quay and waterfront areas.

Following this consultation period, a formal planning application will be lodged with the council’s planning service for consideration.

Kitchens installed to dish up free school meals in Edinburgh

Schools throughout Edinburgh are now equipped to provide free school meals to thousands of children in Primary 1, 2 and 3, thanks to a collaboration between City of Edinburgh Council and Kier Construction.

Kier was appointed in September by the city council, through the Scape National Minor Works Framework, to upgrade seven dining rooms and 31 kitchens.

Work began over the October mid-term break to open up seven kitchens to their adjoining dining rooms and supply the associated kitchen and servery equipment, as well as a programme of gas, water and electrical upgrades to increase capacity at 31 primary school kitchens before 19 December.

All works are now complete and the extended entitlement to the new school meals programme is due to begin in January 2015.