Views of local people sought over redevelopment of Stoer Primary School
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The views of local people are being sought over the redevelopment of a redundant Sutherland school building and grounds.
The moves comes after the local authority was criticised for putting the 125-year-old Stoer Primary School on the market last August without first consulting local communities.
It later withdrew the property, which had an asking price of £160,000, from sale.
The authority then linked with the Communities Housing Trust and Assynt Development Trust to commission Evanton based architect Iain Livesley to design redevelopment options for the property.
Affordable housing was put as one of the priorities along with other uses.
Mr Livesley has come up with a number of permutations for one and two-bedroom housing units, and his designs were presented at an open day held in the school on May 25. Some 30 people are said to have attended.
The consultation document reads: “Initial surveys and design work determined that the best way to use the available space within the school building is to add an upper floor. This can be achieved by altering the roof structure, which is in good condition, and increasing the overall ceiling height.”
Several design options have been proposed for one-bedroom and two-bedroom houses.
It is stated that, while the property could be used entirely for housing, a “mixed-use” approach could be taken with a section of it reserved for commercial or business enterprises.
Also being suggested is a “co-housing model” where a shared “common house” provides additional space for residents to meet and socialise.
There is also the potential for new housing on land to the south of the school.
The three organisations behind the redevelopment say: “At this early stage, we are seeking community views on the options for development.
“If progressed, the future management of the site could be by one or another, or a combination of Highland Council, Assynt Development Trust and the Communities Housing Trust, and would be dependent on issues including securing funding and planning consent.
Assynt Development Trust development officer Adam Pellant said: “At this stage it is very much a case of putting options to the public to see what the general opinion is and then a decision will be taken on what to do next.”
To take part in the survey, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/stoer-school
For more information on the design options, visit the trust’s website and click on its news tab.
