WORK has begun on the construction of five new family homes for affordable rent in Luss.

Contractor GR Construction Ltd began building work on the £890,000 Link Group development on September 12.

The development will feature four three-bedroomed family properties and one wheelchair-accessible family-sized bungalow on a site at the junction of the Old Military Road and Glen Luss Road.

The start of building work follows the conclusion of an agreement with local landowner Luss Estates, which promised earlier this year to give the development site - which has an estimated value of £150,000 - to the Link Group without charge.

Elinor Taggart, Link Group's business development and acquisitions manager, told the Advertiser: “The agreement with Luss Estates was concluded on July 31, and with funding approval and all the statutory consents in place, that enabled us to have a site start on September 12.

“Funding for the project is a combination of our own private finance, Scottish Government money, a grant from the council and a contribution from Luss Estates in kind in the form of the land and a small capital contribution to the project.

“It's a 36-week construction contract, so we're looking for completion in May next year.”

The start of work on the site followed a second public information meeting, held in the village at the end of August – at which, according to Ms Taggart, feedback from local residents remained positive.

“People in the village have been very receptive towards our plans and generally supportive of what we're trying to do,” she continued.

“There hasn't been any new development in Luss for some time, and there is a shortage of affordable accommodation in the village.

“In particular there has been a lot of local support locally for the provision of new housing that is suitable for families, rather than small properties.

“Demand analysis at a wider Argyll and Bute level suggests there's a higher demand for smaller accommodation, but at a local level in Luss there's a definite need for more family accommodation to help sustain the community.

“The key to this development is making sure that the village goes on to function and to thrive. Five family-sized houses could potentially have a significant positive impact on the local school and the local economy.”

The new houses will be built to an energy-efficient design, with high levels of insulation included in the construction and heating delivered through air source heat pumps, while the 'silver standard' of building regulations will be adopted

Ms Taggart said the letting of the new properties would be based on identified housing need, but that while people were free to join the waiting list at any time, the allocation process would not begin until closer to the contract completion date.

“We know people's circumstances can change over time,” she said, “but information will be provided, and anyone interested should contact the Link Group directly.”

Sir Malcolm Colquhoun, chairman of Luss Estates, said: “We have been in negotiation with Link Housing for some time and I am delighted that we are now able to make this major commitment to the future of Luss.

“I very much hope that these new houses will be made available to local families - our main aim is to ensure that they are able to stay in the area.”