Viewmount, Forfar

Viewmount in Forfar was the focus of a £2million housing redevelopment delivered by Hadden in partnership with Angus Council that seen tired, unpopular multi-storey flats make way for attractive, low-rise, affordable council accommodation.

Eleven attractive new homes replace unpopular multi-storey flats. High quality semi-detached houses, with secure gardens, and parking spaces for 21 vehicles have been developed using council funds and a £649,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme.

Four of the properties are suitable for householders with disabilities and all of the addresses benefit from solar panels, high levels of insulation and ventilation. They will all contribute to reducing utility costs for tenants and help to meet carbon reduction targets.

Communities Convener Craig Fotheringham said: “It is a pleasure to see tenants settling in to their new surroundings. Having seen the old, unloved flats demolished, we are sure that tenants will be proud to call these splendid new houses home.

“We placed a high priority on tenant inclusion, with our communities team working closely with local residents and groups to deliver a new entrance to Reid Park and a new path from Steele Park as part of this project. That community engagement has continued throughout.”

Alan Watt, chairperson of community group Viewmount Voices said: “The new build is now complete and is looking good. Once the tenants have settled in, I will introduce myself and inform them about Viewmount Voices and we hope they will be interested in coming along.”

Communities vice-convener, Lois Speed added: “The creation of these new homes and the improvement of the open spaces around them undoubtedly enhances the Viewmount area. We are not only creating places that people are proud to call home – we are creating spaces where people are happy to live, work, visit and play.

“At the same time, Viewmount increases the housing choices for people with disability and who have special housing needs, which is one of the key actions in the Local Housing Strategy.”

Four of the properties are suitable for households containing people with disabilities, and as such, include level access entries and showers, door entry systems, adjustable kitchen worktops, widened hallways and doorways, future-proofed ceilings that can accommodate hoists if required and double parking spaces to help individuals with everyday living.

Overall, the project comprises of:

• 4 three-bedroomed two-storey semi-detached houses;
• 4 two-bedroomed single-storey semi-detached houses;
• 2 three-bedroomed two-storey terraced houses;
• 1 two-bedroomed two-storey terraced house.

Scott Hadden, chairman of  Hadden Group, said: “We are very proud of our role in delivering these new homes for Forfar in partnership with Angus Council. Across the project, the team has worked very hard to deliver attractive, affordable homes without compromising on a desire to create a sustainable development that is sympathetic to the surrounding area.”