The news this week that the allocation process for the new affordable houses being built in Lamlash is under way is welcome indeed.
It has been a long and complicated road since the Arran Development Trust first announced the plan to build affordable homes five years ago. It had been hoped back then some houses may already have been built.
Then Covid struck and the work of securing grants and investment funding has been, as the trust admit a “steep learning curve”.
However, community-led organisation persevered and have got to the stage where the funding is in place, the plans have passed and construction work is now progressing well at Rowarden.
Now anyone eager to secure on of the 18 affordable homes to rent can make their application. It may seem a drop in the ocean given the depth of the housing crisis on Arran, but at least it is a start.
Other developments will follow as the trust continue to pursue sustainable development across the island. Indeed the development of 21-serviced self-build plots next door to the Rowarden site are also due to be marketed soon.
However, we make it clear again that the only way to be in with a chance of securing one of the houses is to get your name on the North Ayrshire Council common housing register without delay.
For 18 families on Arran 2024 will be looking a whole lot brighter.