Housing in Moray: Tenders out to design 'net zero' homes near Forres
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Moray Council is looking for a team to design 24 'net zero' homes near Forres – the first of about 136 which could be built at Dallas Dhu.
The local authority is taking the lead in what it calls its Dallas Dhu Masterplan.
As well as the first batch of homes, the council also intends to put in the infrastructure at the site which is about the size of a dozen football pitches.
It's anticipated that the remaining homes will then be built by other parties.
The work at Dallas Dhu is being conducted in league with the Altyre Estate, Grampian Housing Association and the Digital Health Care and Innovation Centre which is housed on the estate.
Cllr Marc Macrae said: "It’s hoped that, if we appoint designers in early 2023, all the design work and permissions will be in place by summer 2024.
"This would allow 24 homes to be built by 2026, and Altyre Estate to continue work by developing further phases on the 18-hectare site.
"Moray Council is leading this first phase at Dallas Dhu by investing in the infrastructure and services needed to open up the site.
"We’ll enable the development of serviced plots for innovative or self-building projects, and work closely to support housing provision for Grampian Housing Association.
"It’s an ambitious and exciting pilot project which offers an opportunity for Moray to lead in showcasing homes connected to digital health technology, with an important focus on transitioning to net zero."
Sir Alastair Gordon Cumming from Altyre Estate said: "We look forward to working with our partners to produce to the best of our ability an integrated development that captures all the best that is happening in the housing market and brings it together at Dallas Dhu."
Craig Stirrat, CEO Grampian Housing Association, said: "With the threat of global warming and the increasing cost of living, we must ensure that our new affordable homes and places promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
"Starting with a blank sheet allows the partners and the community to deliver something truly inspiring that is sympathetic to both the needs of householders and the environment, and hopefully provide a great legacy for future generations."
The work at Dallas Dhu work is part of Moray’s Growth Deal.
It is being funded by Moray Council and the Scottish Government as part of what's known as the Housing Mix Delivery project.
This £7.5 million project aims to deliver up to 300 affordable homes across the whole of Moray.
