2190 affordable homes were provided in West Lothian between 2012/13 and September 2020
Plans for new social housing have been revealed. A meeting of West Lothian Council Executive heard details on the updated West Lothian Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2021-2026.
The Scottish Government has requested that all Local Authorities submit a five-year Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) which will augment their current Local Housing Strategies.
The major objective of the SHIP is for Local Authorities, in conjunction with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), to ascertain the viability of current and future social housing investment opportunities.
The SHIP also gives the latest progress on the council’s affordable housing programme.
Over the period 2012/13 to September 2020, 2190 affordable homes were provided in West Lothian. There are currently 290 homes under construction and there are 349 homes that are due to commence in 2020/21.
The report noted that this leaves a shortfall of 171 affordable homes to be programmed over the next year to meet the 3000 affordable homes being delivered over a 10-year period to 2022.
RSLs will play a role in helping to address the shortfall and have identified new projects for 359 homes through the current SHIP that could complete in 2022/23, subject to funding and sites being available. Other sites included in the SHIP could accommodate up to 291 homes.
These sites may be developed by RSLs or in some cases, West Lothian Council. Opportunities for open market acquisitions have also been identified by both RSLs and the council. Over the 5-year period of the SHIP sites have been identified for over 2500 homes.
West Lothian Development Alliance (WLDA), Places for People/Castle Rock Edinvar, the Wheatley Group (West Lothian Housing Partnership and Dunedin Canmore Housing Association), Cairn Housing Association, Home Group and Ark Housing Association have all identified potential sites.
Meanwhile, West Lothian Council has approved development for 295 affordable homes across the area as part of its own new build programme.
