Argyll and Bute Council today agreed new funding to boost the availability of affordable housing in Helensburgh. The agreement builds on the council’s commitment to tackling the recently announced housing emergency across the area.
Councillors have approved a grant of £26,350 to Dunbritton Housing Association from the Strategic Housing Fund. Funding will enable the development of 12 affordable houses in Helensburgh.
The Scottish Government also offered funding in addition to the Dunbritten Housing Association’s private contribution. Argyll and Bute Council will meet the remaining funding gap to deliver the project.
Planning permission is already in place to build the homes on the site, located at East King Street in the centre of Helensburgh.
In the council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) and Local Housing Strategy, Helensburgh is a priority settlement for housing with high levels of need and demand.
Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council:
“Helensburgh is one of a number of areas across Argyll and Bute in which we have identified a pressing requirement for new housing development.
“Delivering new homes is a key priority for the Council as we confirmed recently in declaring a housing emergency and highlighting the rise in homelessness post-pandemic and the increasing lack of housing choice across Argyll and Bute.
“This new support from the Strategic Housing Fund will be warmly welcomed in Helensburgh and is further evidence of our commitment to tackling the housing issue in the region.”