The response from islanders to the Craigforth Report on the island’s housing needs has given Arran Community Council plenty of food for thought.
The community council produced a 16-point summary of the report, commissioned by North Ayrshire Council (NAC), which aims to investigate and document Arran’s housing needs.
While most people agree with the findings of the report, island responses have highlighted the need for affordable housing for the old and the young, especially.
One response said: ‘As well as considering giving priority to single people and couples employed on the island, this should be extended to people applying for accommodation in the sheltered housing complex.
‘At present it seems that people from London, Glasgow etc are considered before local people.’
Another response reads: ‘Our young people (and others!) are not looking for ‘a view of the sea’ which mainland second homers are seeking. These young people are seeking a house and a home. They would be happy to see inland Clachans reopened.’
Other issues raised included the building of houses on unused land and that NAC should explore the possibility of landowners releasing land for housing.
There was also a call for home owners, who rent out back cottages, to let to islanders primarily, rather than holiday makers and seasonal visitors.
‘The rent would be set at an affordable level with the remainder of the usual market rate rented income made up by Communities Scotland.
Comments and suggestions can still be made to John Inglis, Arran Community Council, Red House, High Corrie, KA27 8JB.
