Aberfeldy community is attempting to address its affordable rural housing crisis by setting up a development trust.
As a result of a bid by private developers eyeing up Aberfeldy Cottage Hospital for conversion to holiday accommodation, a community meeting held on Monday, May 9 at the Locus Centre, Aberfeldy ended with the unanimous decision to set up Aberfeldy Development Trust.
The culmination of a recent community-wide discussion on affordable rural housing in the immediate area, the meeting sought to gain support for the formation of a Development Trust and their initial proposal to invite the Communities Housing Trust to carry out a housing survey for community areas in Aberfeldy, Weem, Strathtay, Grandtully, Logierait and Ballinluig.
The chronic shortage of affordable housing, either to buy or rent for those with local connections, or those wishing to move to the area for work or with young families, has been in stark contrast to planning permissions sought for holiday home development and upsurge of second home ownership.
Working mum Carol Lang (45) said: “I live near Aberfeldy Cottage Hospital and when we got a notification letter about it, I was at first hopeful something good would happen. But when it emerged this was a plan for seven holiday units I was really disappointed.
“Over the last couple of years, particularly since COVID began, the huge lack of housing for people who want to stay in the area or people who have been away but want to move back, has become a massive issue.
“It’s heart-breaking, to have to consider paying double the asking price on a property or to set your heart on something and then be outbid.
“I have friends that want to move to Aberfeldy but can’t. Childcare is under pressure because staff can’t find a place to live.
“It’s become critical for young adults who need support, older people needing sheltered accommodation.
“There’s a lack of everything in terms of choice. Services are in danger of shrinking or closing because essential workers can’t find anywhere to stay.
“We formed this trust because we are a approaching a tipping point as a community when vital services could be lost.”
The CHT has begun a housing survey, taking in areas like Weem, Dull, Strathtay, Grandtully, Logierait and Ballinluig. The aim is to provide a snapshot of housing needs.
The survey is in three parts to include local people, those wishing to move to the area and businesses.
It can be accessed on Facebook or Instagram or by scanning the QR code on posters and went live on Monday, May 16.
It can be completed on line until it closes on Sunday, June 26. Hard copy may also be made available.
As well as the initial small steering group, the meeting was joined by representatives from the Communities Housing Trust, PKC Housing, Development Trusts Association Scotland, whose advice and guidance will be invaluable, and thirty or so members of the public.
All were overwhelmingly supportive of the proposal. Local business associations have also given their support to the idea.
Funding from a Griffin Micro Grant through Aberfeldy Community Council for the setting up of Aberfeldy Development Trust will facilitate initial costs greatly and further funding streams to enhance the work of the Trust are being investigated.
Mary McDougall, one of those involved in founding the trust said: “We would invite any individual who would like to offer views, skills and expertise to contact us at: aberfeldydevelopmenttrust@gmail.com”
