Step forward for plans to build key worker housing in Harris
9 August 2024
An initiative to build desperately needed key worker accommodation in Harris has applied for outline planning permission for two small housing clusters in the Tarbert area. In a bid to address the local housing crisis
The wider project by Harris Development Ltd seeks to provide housing to provide 42 rooms for key worker accommodation. Three identified sites of similar size would be developed around Tarbert over a two to three year period.
Though the mix and scope of accommodation has yet to be fully developed, the intention is to build modular accommodation units.
Outline proposals for two sites have been submitted to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to see if planners agree the principle for developing workers housing in the location.
One plot is adjacent to the existing Sunnyhill scheme, while the other is further along the road behind the Iomairt an Obain units.
The application for planning permission in principle says two or three buildings
on each site would contain a total of 14 rooms with a mix of single and one-and-a-half
storey properties with pitched roofs to sit sensitively within the landscape.
Planners have been advised: “Traditional key worker accommodation in the past has taken the form of static caravans, hotel rooms, existing/new housing or large flat roofed units.
“The aim of this proposal is to provide permanent, desirable, key worker accommodation which sits sensitively within its setting and can adapt to future need.”
The properties would be factory built modular units designed with the flexibility to interconnect apartments and provide larger family units as required.
Using prefabricated modular units would reduce the “time spent on site construction and minimises the amount of ground works required, which due to the geology of the island is often problematic. The brief provides permanent, locally built housing to support the sustained growth of the local economy,” said the applicant.
This pivotal step will help us determine the suitability of these sites for development, paving the way for detailed planning and further community consultation.
Harris Development Ltd (HDL) explained: “Planning in principle is a streamlined consent route that separates the consideration of the fundamental principles of the proposed development from the technical details.
“This process involves two stages: the initial permission in principle stage, which assesses the site’s suitability, and the subsequent technical details consent stage, which involves a detailed assessment of the development proposals.
“Once we receive permission in principle, we will move forward to the technical details consent stage. This will involve detailed planning and design work, further community engagement, and securing additional funding to bring the project to life.”
The organisation added: “We are passionately committed to addressing the housing crisis for key workers in Harris and believe that this project will make a significant positive impact on our community.”
The units would offer year-round accommodation for workers that would be energy efficient,
sustainable, and cost effective. They would be leased to public and private sector
organisations to overcome the accommodation crisis felt on the island currently.
HDL is partnering with the North Harris Trust to resume the land, purchase the land, secure further funding to progress the design stage in conjunction with further community engagement.
