Work Starts at Dalmore Site for New Affordable Homes

Work has started on the first phase of a much-anticipated affordable housing development which is set to bring 37 quality new homes to the Alness community by May next year.

The £4.7million Dalmore development will be delivered on behalf of Albyn Housing Society and the Highland Council by O’Brien Properties. It will deliver a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes for rent, mid-market rent and sale under Albyn Enterprise’s low-cost home ownership scheme (LIFT).

As well as providing much needed affordable new homes, the project will provide a welcome boost to the local construction industry. A range of Highland Consultants, including Bracewell Stirling, Horner & Maclennan, Cameron & Ross, KLM Partnership and Armour & Partners, will work alongside O’Brien Properties to provide design, engineering and consultancy services.

Archaeologist Stuart Farrell was contracted during early site preparations to carry out a watching brief of the site during which some interesting archaeological artefacts were found, including the remains of a Bronze Age roundhouse.

Speaking of the development, Calum Macaulay, Chief Executive at Albyn Housing Society, commented: “At a time of heavily reduced funding for affordable housing developments, we are delighted construction is now underway at Dalmore.

“Given the huge demand for homes in Alness and the high profile of the site, we want to create a stand-out development that not only fits in with its woodland surroundings, but also retains access to popular walkways for the local community. The result will be an attractive modern environment residents can be extremely proud of.”

To support construction costs, the Society was able to secure £1.4million in funding from the Scottish Government.