Building Briefs – February 5th

• Scotland football legend Alan Rough kicks off DJ Laing Homes’ latest sponsorship

The company will continue to support Scottish Junior football for the 2018/19 season and has been main sponsor of their local team, Carnoustie Panmure, for over 28 years.

The deal was signed in the presence of former Scotland keeper Alan Rough who won over 50 caps and played in two FIFA World Cups for Scotland.  He also had a spell as a manager of junior football club, Glenafton Athletic.

• Edinburgh brewer lodges restaurant plan

Craft brewer the Edinburgh Beer Factory has lodged plans for a restaurant in a former Royal Bank of Scotland branch.

An application for a change of use from bank to restaurant and bar at 61 Forrest Road is “awaiting assessment” by City of Edinburgh Council planning department.

• A-listed Highland tower set to become luxury home

Plans to transform a luxury Highland hotel into a private holiday home for an American millionaire have been granted approval.

The 15th century Ackergill Tower, beside Wick in Caithness, has been a discreet hideaway used by top celebrities such as Jack Nicholson and Michael Douglas as well as a popular wedding venue.

However, owners Clarenco placed it on the market in 2015, and last year slashed its asking price from £4.5 million to £3.9m as they grew desperate to offload the business.

Highland Council has published a report on its decision.

It states: “While the loss of an important local business and employer is regrettable, the application for the change of use must only be determined in accordance with considerations relevant to planning.

“As an application for a change of use only, there are no design issues to consider that would result in a change to its appearance or character.

“Any proposals for future changes will require separate permission.

“Residential use is considered appropriate for the building because it re-establishes its original purpose and ensures its continued occupation and subsequent upkeep.”

• Fife Council approves £6m care home

Plans for a new 36-bed care home in Cupar have been approved.

It would serve as a replacement for Northeden house and would include a day service for up to 10 people, accommodation for adult services community support and space for a meals on wheels service.

The care home will be built as part of phase two of Fife Council’s reprovisioning programme.

• Work begins to invest £1.5m in Ferguslie Park housing stock

Ferguslie Park Housing Association (FPHA) is investing £1.5 million in providing new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors to over 400 of its tenants’ homes. 

The Association has appointed CMS Windows for the installation windows and doors and L&D Services for installing new kitchen and bathrooms.

It had worked with the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) and Scotland Excel using existing Frameworks to mini tender the appointments.

The contract with CMS Windows will see windows and doors replaced in 300 properties and the contract with L&D Services will see new kitchen and bathrooms being replaced in 185 homes.

Work is now well under way and is hoped to be completed by the end of May 2019.

• Gannochy Trust’s affordable homes on track for autumn completion

The first affordable homes in a charitable trust’s development in Perth are on track for completion later this year.

The Gannochy Trust started work last May to deliver 48 houses within the existing Gannochy Estate in the city.

Designed by Anderson Bell & Christie, the plans comprise 38 two-bedroom homes, six one-bedroom homes and four fully wheelchair accessible three-bedroom homes.

With the main structures in the first group of houses now approaching the final stages of construction, the development is expected to be completed this autumn.

• 2000th home marks major milestone for Melville

Melville Housing Association is celebrating a major milestone with stock numbers passing 2,000 for the first time in more than 20 years.

The milestone was reached when 23-year-old Demi Yuill moved in to her new, specially-adapted one bedroom home at Harvieston Park in Gorebridge. Built by Taylor Wimpey as part of a £2.8 million deal, the flat is level access and includes a wet floor shower and wheelchair-accessible kitchen.

Made possible thanks to £1.58m in Scottish Government grant funding, the deal with Taylor Wimpey saw Melville take on 21 high-quality affordable homes at Harvieston Park. As well as Demi’s one-bedroom flat, the properties are made up of 11 two bedroom flats, eight three bedroom houses, and a single two bedroom house.

Following the completion of this latest development, Melville now owns and manages 2,009 properties for rent.