Building Briefs - June 27th

Conservation charity the John Muir Trust (JMT) has presented evidence before an inquiry which is looking into a proposed wind farm scheme in Sutherland.

A Public Local Inquiry (PLI) was triggered early last year when Highland Council objected to an application for a 20 turbine wind farm development at Caplich near Oykel Bridge.

The objection was made due to proposals to site half of the project’s turbines within the boundaries of Wild Land Area 34 (Reay-Cassley).

Speaking at the inquiry, Policy Officer for the JMT John Low said approving the Caplich development would conflict with the Scottish Government’s commitment to safeguard wild land.

A recent Trust-commissioned YouGov poll showed the Scottish public back continued protection of Wild Land Areas by a significant 16 to 1 majority.

He said: “The publication of the Wild Land Areas map in 2014 recognised Scotland’s wild land as a nationally important asset that needs to be safeguarded. Scotland’s landscapes are spectacular, contributing to our quality of life, our national identity and the visitor economy. We only object to wind farms when we believe they will have a detrimental effect on an area of wild land. The Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage and Highland Council all share the view that this is the wrong place for a development like this.

“As Scotland’s Wild Land Areas map reaches its third anniversary on 23 June, it is time not only for the Scottish Government to reject this latest wind farm application but also to give Wild Land Areas the same level of protection from wind farms as National Scenic Areas and National Parks.”

External refurb work completes on Selkirk town centre building

Work to refurbish the outside of the Market Place corner block in Selkirk town centre is now complete.

Work on the building - which includes the Fleece Bar and Kitchen - was part-funded by Selkirk Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

Selkirkshire Councillor Michelle Ballantyne said: “We are aware that this has not been an easy time for local shops with some passing trade choosing to not use the town centre due to the temporary traffic management associated with this project.

“However, we hope everyone will agree that the difference to that visible corner of Market Place is dramatic.

“We want to thank all local people for their patience during this period and encourage them to continue to use their local shops.

“With the Selkirk town centre improvements programme getting underway soon, it is hoped the Royal Burgh can begin to see real benefits from all the works being supported by Selkirk CARS.”

Selkirk CARS is focused on a range of heritage and conservation-based regeneration activities within the town centre over a five year period. The project has an overall budget of just over £1million, with £795,000 provided by Historic Environment Scotland.

CWA continues work on £5m Dundee water mains upgrade

Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA) is continuing work on a £5 million water mains upgrade project in Dundee.

The scheme aims to improve the water supply to around 11,000 homes across the city.

So far, over 16km of pipes have been replaced and the project remains on schedule for the end of this year.

Scottish Water’s Regional Community Manager for Dundee, Ruaridh MacGregor, said: “The purpose of this major investment is to ensure the people of Dundee can continue to receive fresh, clean drinking water long into the 21st Century.

“We appreciate since the work started in May last year customers have faced inconvenience and disruption at times. While we have tried to keep this to a minimum, due to the nature of the work sometimes this is inevitable.

“Their patience and understanding as the work has been rolled out across large parts of the city though has helped Scottish Water and CWA ensure we have remained on schedule. Close partnership working with other utilities and especially Dundee City Council, has also helped minimise any disruption as much as possible.

“The £5 million mains upgrade remains on schedule and is due for completion by the end of this year.”

Society takes handover of Barratt-built Ness Castle affordable homes

Thirteen tenants have received their keys this week after Albyn Housing Society took final handover of 51 homes at Ness Castle from Barratt Homes.

The first phase to be delivered as part of an ongoing partnership with the award-winning housebuilder, the development includes a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes for rent, mid-market rent and sale under Albyn Enterprise’s low-cost home ownership scheme (LIFT). All of the homes have now been allocated, let or purchased.

Supported by more than £2.5 million in grant funding from the Scottish Government, the £6 million project will be followed by a second phase of 27 units, due to commence construction later this year at the popular Loch Ness location.

Speaking at the handover, Calum Macaulay, chief executive at Albyn Housing Society, said: “Earlier this year we announced the society’s ambition to once again become an affordable housing developer of scale, supported by the unique private finance deal we have secured with BAE Systems Pension Funds Investment Management Ltd as well as the Scottish Government.

“Today’s handover marks the completion of a phased handover of homes at our first partnership development at Ness Castle. It is also one of many handovers planned by Albyn Housing Society as we aim to hit our target on 138 unit completions by 31 March 2018.