Building Briefs – October 22nd

Linstone Housing has been shortlisted for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability award, sponsored by Glasgow City Council, at the forthcoming Chartered Institute of Housing’s Excellence Awards this November.

The award, which was open to all housing organisations in Scotland, aims to recognise projects that have addressed the environmental impact of existing stock and have also taken action to tackle fuel poverty.

Linstone’s £10 million programme is currently delivering the largest External Wall Insulation project in Scotland. Linstone has also contributed £3m of its own funds together with attaining funding from E.ON and SSE amounting to £4.5m with a further £2.7m from the Scottish Government through its HEEPS programme (Home Energy Efficiency Programme Scotland).

As well as an attractive new exterior finish to the building which will give them a much longer life, more importantly residents will benefit from up to 25 per cent reduction in their heating bills with greenhouse gas emissions reduced too. Residents are also being offered support and advice through our Big Lottery-funded Connect4Renfrewshire project which provides a range of support to our residents including energy advice and advocacy.

Hillhouse Estates enjoys profits lift after quarry work

Ayrshire-based Hillhouse Estates has seen pre-tax profits grow to £1.5m for the year ended March 31, boosted by a robust performance by its quarry operations.

The Troon-headquartered company, which also operates in forestry and farming, saw its pre-tax profit on ordinary activities grow from £1m in the prior year, according to a Companies House filing.

Overall turnover reached £29.5m, up from £23.8m, and in the latest financial year, £27.6m of turnover related to quarry operations, showing year-on-year growth of £5.3m.

Planning the future for Fife communities

Fifers will get the chance to comment on the new proposed FIFEplan which will determine the future shape of communities when a consultation begins next week.

A six week consultation on FIFEplan will start on Monday 27 October until Monday 8 December.

FIFEplan, Fife’s first Local Development Plan, is the blueprint for the future shape of the Kingdom including identifying sites for new housing, business and other new developments.

There has been a wealth of work carried out and individuals and communities have already had the chance to have their say on different stages of the plan.

This new consultation gives Fifers an opportunity to comment on the Proposed FIFEplan, its policies and proposals and supplementary guidance on planning obligations and mineral development.

A series of Public drop-in information events will be held throughout Fife during the consultation period.

New homes bring new careers in East Dunbartonshire

A new £1.6 million council house development in Lenzie Road, Kirkintilloch has not only created new beginnings for local tenants but also new careers for five hard-working youngsters.

East Dunbartonshire Council has built 16 new homes, consisting of two and three bedroom flats and a three bed maisonette, on the site of the former Townhead Clinic. The site was purchased for affordable housing from the NHS in 2012.

Although new, the three storey building holds a priceless piece of Kirkintilloch history in the form of the old Co-op clock which has pride of place on the front elevation. The new homes were allocated to current tenants who needed to either upsize or downsize or move for medical reasons, those on the council’s waiting list and also some who had experienced homelessness.

The good news doesn’t end there, for the development gave a vital first rung on the career ladder for six local youngsters, employed as a trainee for six months through the Department of Work and Pensions in conjunction with the council’s Employability Team. Five lucky trainees went on the secure permanent employment after impressing builders McTaggart Construction Ltd and their sub-contractors.

In addition, ten young people also gained work experience in various trades while working on site for a four week period.

Appeal to government after Stewartry wind farm rejected

A renewable energy firm has lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government after plans for a wind farm near Kirkcudbright were rejected.

The proposals for the five-turbine development at Barcloy Hill had generated almost 800 letters from opponents and supporters.

Dumfries and Galloway Council rejected it in July.

Renewable Energy Systems has appealed the decision, saying the visual impact of the scheme had been “over-stated”.

A decision is expected next Spring.

Developers given Perth Harbour deadline

The future of Perth Harbour has taken a step forward with a deadline set for potential investors to reveal their plans.

Property consultancy Bidwells has put a closing date on expressions of interest in the site on the River Tay.

Stage one of the marketing process will close at noon on Monday November 24 though a number of parties have already lodged their interest.

Those groups have been asked to outline their business case and explain how investment would be made to maximise the use of the harbour as an economic asset.

Perth and Kinross Council, which agreed that the potential of the harbour would best be unlocked through private investment, would then decide whether to take the process on to the next stage.

It is not known whether the interested parties wish to develop the harbour commercially or for leisure uses.

Windfarm plan for Ochil Hills

Plans for a 25-turbine ­windfarm in the Ochil Hills have emerged just weeks after images of the picturesque landscape were beamed around the world from the Ryder Cup.

Tourism chiefs claim the golf tournament could bring more than £82 million into the economy, but campaigners fear the 415ft high turbines will ruin the landscape and scupper the expected tourism boost.

The windfarm would be the largest in a region already home to several sizeable wind energy developments.

Councillors to approve investment in Dundee parks

Councillors will be asked to approve work at two of Dundee’s most popular parks.

On Monday the environment committee will discuss refurbishment of equipment and landscaping at both Camperdown Park and Magdalen Green.

Over £50,000 will be used to improve Camperdown’s Toddler Zone. This will cover the refurbishment of play equipment and the perimeter fence.

The committee will also be asked to approve works at Magdalen Green.

Dundee City Council has been working with the environmental group, Friends of Magdalen Green to put together an improvement programme.

The group has managed to raise over £152,000 to carry out landscaping, resurfacing, upgrades and the installation of specialist equipment for disabled children.