AROUND 200 affordable homes could be built in Helensburgh and Lomond over the next five years as part of a new housing strategy announced by Argyll and Bute Council.

Councillors this week approved a revised Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) that has the potential to deliver around 343 new affordable homes in 2021/22 and more than 700 additional homes in subsequent years.

Included in the plans are:

  • Twelve new homes at the Jeanie Deans site in Helensburgh, for Dunbritton - anticipated for completion in June 2022
  • Thirty-six houses at Sawmill field, Helensburgh, for the Wheatley Group - anticipated for completion in September 2022
  • Forty-nine houses in Rosneath, for LINK - anticipated for completion in October 2022
  • Sixteen houses at the 18th Tee, Helensburgh, for Dunbritton - anticipated for completion in February 2023
  • Fifty-two houses at the Helensburgh Golf Club site, for Dunbritton - anticipated for completion in March 2024
  • And thirty-five houses in Cardross, also for Dunbritton - anticipated for completion in 2027.

In a report detailing the plans, however, the council's executive director, Kirsty Flanagan, said: "Timescales are indicative and subject to change; and will be monitored on a regular basis.

"Some projects could also revise their final number of units."

The revised SHIP proposals will be submitted to the Scottish Government for review in October.

Council leader, Robin Currie, said: “The delivery of local affordable housing in Argyll and Bute remains a priority for the council.

"We want our communities to thrive and we want to attract new residents and business to the area.

“This investment not only provides much needed good quality homes for future generations, it also provides employment opportunities for many people in the construction industry, including new apprenticeships, which will generate additional investment in the local community.”