The trust founded by whisky distiller and philanthropist AK Bell has unveiled an ambitious project to build affordable housing in Perth.
The Gannochy Trust submitted an application on the ambitious proposals to Perth and Kinross Council on Friday.
Their vision is for up to 50 additional, affordable rental properties to be built on land adjacent to their existing Gannochy estate.
The development is the first major addition to the Gannochy estate since a sheltered housing development in the mid-90s and the trust say they hope it will an “exemplar” of what can be achieved in affordable housing in the 21st century.
The Gannochy estate which incorporates open greens and a pond is already seen as a model village, very popular with tenants.
Dr James Kynaston, chairman of The Gannochy Trust, said: “It has always been the aim of the trust to build upon the achievements of AK Bell and to provide affordable, high quality, energy efficient housing in an attractive physical environment.
“The development proposed will bring up to 50 new affordable homes for rent which we see as an essential addition to the housing market in and around Perth city.
“In keeping with the ethos of the trust, our vision is to create ‘healthy homes within a lifetime neighbourhood’ that will meet the needs of all sections of our community now and in the future.
“The provision of high quality affordable housing is a key concern of both the Scottish Government and Perth and Kinross Council. The proposed development at the Gannochy estate will, we’re certain, provide a substantial contribution to help address this issue within the Perth city area.”
The area of land where the houses are to be built is zoned for housing within the Perth and Kinross local development plan and the trust has already undertaken a master planning exercise to ensure the development remains sympathetic to the current estate.
The trust is also working with Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit and the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre to address key objectives such as indoor air quality, energy efficiency and product innovation.
