City’s target for affordable homes was exceeded

THE target for completed affordable homes in Glasgow was exceeded last year, but new-build approvals fell short as Covid-19 hit in March.

More than £104 million was available over the 2019/20 financial year for the city’s affordable housing supply programme – which provides properties at social and mid-market rent. By March last year, just over £100m of the budget had been invested, with £3.7m unspent.

This was due to “land transactions not being able to complete” when the Register of Sasines, Scotland’s public land register, closed as a result of the pandemic, a council report states.

Approvals for new-build homes, up 56% on the previous year, narrowly missed their 2168 target, with 2142 units agreed.

But there were 1002 new properties completed, beating the target of 954 units.

Councillor Kenny McLean, city convener for housing, neighbourhoods and public realm, said: “These figures show the progress – despite the recent great challenges – we have made in helping to deliver thousands of affordable homes in Glasgow every year.

“What is especially pleasing is the increasing range of homes being built to meet the needs of different households, including large families.”

Funding for the housing supply programme comes from the Scottish Government. Projects are developed following talks between council staff, social landlords and private developers.

During 2019/20, 105 family homes, with four or more beds, and 207 wheelchair readily adaptable units were approved to address demand.

One scheme, completed in October 2019, was the conversion of the B-listed former Greenview School on Buckley Street, Parkhouse.

Acquired by Loretto Housing Association, the former school building and janitor’s house – and a new-build on the old playground – are now social rented homes for the elderly. The project won housing regeneration project of the year at the Scottish Home Awards 2020.