A CHARITY that supports rural communities has welcomed SSEN’s “innovative” pledge to build more than 1000 new homes across the north of Scotland calling it a much-needed “lifeline”.
SSEN plans to build 400 homes in the Highlands and a similar number in Aberdeenshire have been described as a “tangible solution” to the current housing crisis affecting local communities by Rural Housing Scotland (RHS).
The energy giant announced its plans on Tuesday to work with councils, registered social landlords and other housing organisations to deliver the new homes as part of its Pathway to 2030 programme – a £20 billion investment to upgrade the transmission network in the north of Scotland.
Accommodation for workers will be needed to deliver the proposed upgrades and SSEN is aiming to host its workforce by building housing that will then be transferred to local communities once the projects are completed.
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Other significant housing plans are expected to be announced by the energy firm, with Monday’s announcement already being welcomed by housing campaigners.
Donna Young, a spokesperson for RHS, has hailed the commitment by SSEN saying it will help build wealth in local communities in the long term.
“This news is welcomed during what can only be described as a dire housing situation in this country,” she said.
“It’s innovative and a tangible solution to the current housing crisis. It’s great to see SSEN dedicated to leaving a housing legacy within the communities they will be working in.
“Communities we have worked with will no doubt welcome this news, if it will provide and support community wealth-building in the long term.
“With all the barriers currently in place – mainly funding and planning – for community-led housing to progress, SSEN is providing a lifeline, which I’m sure the Scottish Government will welcome considering the cuts it has made to its own current housing budget.”
RHS, which works to secure affordable housing in Scotland’s rural communities, announced last week that it is set to close after more than 20 years.
The charity, which was founded in 2021, aimed to help rural communities across Scotland address housing needs, alleviate rural homelessness and improve poor housing conditions.
The organisation collaborated with communities, policymakers and partners to tackle the high costs and complexities of rural housing development.
Young added that RHS could have played a key role during the discussions between local communities and SSEN.
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She said communities should be kept informed with all the key plans for the housing development to make sure their needs are met.
“The closure of our organisation has come at a time when we could have been a key representative of communities during such discussions to ensure the needs where met in the right places,” Young said.
“Communities should be engaged and kept informed of all key plans and have a seat around the table to ensure their needs are met. I’m sure this will be a top priority for SSEN and all key stakeholders involved.”
Further details of the housing projects in different council areas will be announced in the coming months, SSEN said.
It is understood that this approach has garnered significant interest from local authorities and could serve as a model for infrastructure developers across Scotland.
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