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Housing Association Tackles Birnam Need
Perthshire Housing Association (PHA) has joined forces with Atholl Estates to deliver 10 much needed affordable houses in Birnam, one of Scotland’s most expensive villages.
The £1.5m development, at Stell Park Road, is the result of an innovative partnership between PHA, landowner Atholl Estates, George Martin Builders, and funders the Scottish Government and Perth & Kinross Council.
House prices in Birnam are amongst the highest in Perthshire. Mike Cheesewright, a PHA Board member, commented at the turf cutting ceremony on 3 July: “We have received many inquiries from local people about these houses since we first started looking at this site, and it is clear that there is a huge need for affordable housing in Birnam.”
Jamie Troughton, of Atholl Estates, said: “PHA has shown great tenacity in making this project happen, and we look forward to continue to work with it on our housing programme.”
Shared Ownership
The development will comprise six 2 and 3-bedroom rented units, including two elderly/amenity bungalows, and four 2 and 3-bedroom shared ownership units. Shared ownership, which PHA pioneered in Perthshire, allows purchasers to buy an initial share of between 25-75% of the house values. A 25% share starts at £33,750 for a 2-bedroom house.
The development will increase PHA’s housing stock in Birnam, where its Bruce Gardens development has received many commendations on its high standard of design. In addition to constructing the PHA houses, George Martin Builders are developing seven private houses for sale. The houses are due to be completed in September 2009.
Founded in 1990, Perthshire Housing Association Ltd is a Registered Social Landlord, who build and manage affordable housing in Perth and Kinross.
It has a stock of over 1,500 properties, and builds some 100 new homes each year.
Pictured above, front left: Mike Cheesewright (Board Member - Perthshire Housing Association); and Cllr. Peter Barrett (Convener - Perth & Kinross Council Housing & Health Committee). In the background are representatives of George Martin Builders; Scottish Government Housing & Regeneration Directorate; P&K Council; Engineers - Allen Gordon & Co; and Surveyors - Ralph Ogg & Partners
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