Trust needs you to help housing push on island
The new Arran Development Trust (ADT), which recently announced an £8 million plan to build 56 new affordable houses on the island, is now open for everyone to join.
The trust is now a fully constituted body with charitable status and wants to become a membership-led organisation.
There has been some criticism that the ADT, the operating arm of the Arran Development Group, was unelected and therefore unaccountable. However, while its backers admit the process to form the trust has taken longer than expected, they now say they want everyone interested to get involved.
Membership has a oneoff joining fee of £10 with a nominal annual subscription of just £1 and entitles members to attend the group’s annual general meeting and to have a say in decisions taken by the trust. Members must be aged 16 or over and be a permanent resident on Arran.
Membership does not present an obligation to attend or participate in meetings or activities. However, a healthy membership base will facilitate their ability to obtain grant funding for projects which will improve the island.
The ADT, which is in the process of setting up an Arran-based housing association, held its first community meeting last week when interested parties visited the Ormidale Pavilion in Brodick to learn more about the organisation and to join up. Having secured £8 million in funding to build approximately 56 new affordable homes by the spring of 2021, the ADT is currently looking at developing three areas on Arran for the affordable housing, including a selfbuild site.
The sites, in Lamlash and Brodick, will be subject to updated feasibility studies and funds from the Scottish Land Fund will be sought to purchase the land from the owners. The majority of the houses, save a potential few which will be selfbuild with support from the government, will be rental houses.
Trust chairman Barry Mochan said: ‘These are exciting times for the development of affordable homes on Arran. We want the public to be with us every step of the way.’
If you wish to be part of this organisation, more information and a membership form can be obtained by contacting sheena. borthwick.aeg@gmail.com