Further Questions
Questions from the “Drop in” session on 5th March 2020 at Lismore Public Hall.
Who will own the houses and could they be sold on?
Lismore Community Trust will own the houses. The purchase will be conditional on the land being retained by the Trust and only affordable houses for rent being constructed. The Scottish Government abolished the right to buy from 1st August 2016.
Will the houses be Passivhaus?
Passivhaus is a leading international design standard slashing energy use from buildings and delivering high standards of comfort and health. The houses will aim to meet the Passivhaus standard which means they will have
a) Minimal heating demand – keeping running costs low
b) Appropriate cooling and dehumidification demand – ensuring a healthy internal environment
c)Airtight – to complement heating and cooling
d) Use efficient renewable energy.
Scottish building regulations and standards are moving towards this standard but it is a technical area that has previously not been given enough consideration. While the standards can be reached by good design there are sometimes fears it can add to the build costs. Slightly higher build costs can offset the running cost and environmental impact. The Trust in partnership with funders will ensure the houses have the lowest running costs and are environmentally friendly.
How will more houses affect the water situation in Achnacroish?
Water sufficiency and supply in Achnacroish is a long-standing area of concern for many residents there. Having two extra houses in the area will not make the situation worse. In order to progress with the houses the Trust will need to have a detailed professional report to say how a sufficient and suitable supply is to be secured. Initial options include improving existing supply arrangements, a borehole or rain water harvesting. The report will provide sufficient detail to give residents options to consider. It is unlikely, however, funding to improve the existing houses will be awarded.
Will the houses be genuinely affordable?
Housing Associations define “affordable rent” as 80% of the local market rent. A “social rent” is decided by local councils and is currently around £420 a month. The Trust has not finally determined the rent, and it may increase due to inflation, but there is a strong determination to set the rents just above the social rent level because tenants would benefit from not having to pay a water and sewerage charge.
What are you going to do about the empty and second homes on the island?
The Trust and Scottish Government are aware of the challenges short term lets, empty and second homes and derelict houses create for islands seeking to sustain or increase their resident population. The Scottish Government National Plan for Scotland’s Islands objective 4 states
To improve housing we will
a) Ensure Housing 2040 truly reflects the distinct needs of island communities
b) Ensure that the regulation of short term lets takes account of the unique circumstances of island communities and make special provision for them where required.
c) Explore how the rural and island housing fund might be adapted in the future to expand the range of options to support housing development in remote and island communities.
d) Make best use of all housing stock including derelict properties and options for compulsory purchase.
e) Improve access to homes for people looking to settle in or return to island communities. In collaboration with local authorities and relevant stakeholder, we will examine the full range of options to do this, making best use of our existing homes and supply.
f) Ensure that the impact on Gaelic speaking communities is considered as housing policies are developed.
The Trust will monitor how Government and the Local Council work towards these objectives and as opportunities arise will seek to make best use of them.
