Coigach hopes of new homes takes significant step forward as site deal is struck
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A north-west community which is hoping to build affordable housing to help sustain the local economy and provide options for local people, is celebrating a breakthrough.
Coigach Community Development Company (CCDC), which was set up 10 years ago partly in a bid to try and address local demand for more community housing, has announced the acquisition of the former hydroponicum site in Achiltibuie from the company Moulton Ltd.
The Scottish Land Fund granted CCDC £285,000 towards the land price.
The development company now intends to bring forward detailed proposals and consult with the community on the mix of homes to be developed on the site.
Newly appointed CCDC chief executive, Dr Laura Hamlet, the former manager of the North West Highlands Geopark, said: “CCDC is delighted to have been able to work together with Moulton Ltd to conclude a deal that works for Moulton Ltd, CCDC and the wider community.
“The ability to build these houses will significantly improve the sustainability of the Coigach community, creating a fitting and lasting legacy to Moulton’s Ltd involvement and investment in the site.”
As well as acquiring the former hydroponicum site, CCDC has also been granted planning permission in principle for the demolition of a former smokehouse and erection of two houses in Altandhu, Achiltibuie.
CCDC purchased the former smokehouse and site in 2013 after successfully registering a community right to buy bid on the property.
Over the last decade, the former smokehouse building has housed a variety of activities for the Coigach community.
However in 2022, CCDC commissioned a valuation report from surveyors Graham and Sibbald, who indicated that the former smokehouse building had reached the end of its design life.
So CCDC have now obtained a building warrant for the demolition of the building, and want to establish the viability of using the site for residential development.
The site plan for the land is for two, three-bed units, with new access road and parking. The new development will also see Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) approved design proposals for new foul water and rainwater treatment.
The site layout will also allow for an access road with two parking spaces for each of the two proposed houses.
CCDC stated in their preliminary design statement: “There does not appear to be a significant demand for commercial property in the area and CCDC therefore consider that the community would be better served with a residential site as housing remains a top priority in Coigach.
"There may be alternative layout options which could be explored in a detailed design for a full planning application.
"However, CCDC would like to establish in principle that a residential use of this site would be acceptable to the planning authority.”
