Houses for heroes plan

Mar 17 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A GROUND-BREAKING “Houses for Heroes” project is lined-up for Scone.

Supporters have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support from the Perth and Kinross public and trusts, with nearly £300,000 already pledged.

Last year, First Minister Alex Salmond launched an ambitious appeal designed to provide 60 new homes for servicemen and women disabled in the line of duty.

Now, proposals drawn-up by the Scottish Veterans Garden City Association in conjunction with local housebuilders A. and J. Stephen could see 10 specialised “affordable” properties created in Scone to start the ball rolling.

The plans for a former allotments site go before Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee tomorrow, with an approval recommendation from the planners.

Seven local residents objected.

Five of the flats will be ground floor units specifically designed to accommodate disabled wheelchair users.

The Scottish Veterans Garden City Association project forms part of a national appeal to increase the number of properties they can make available to disabled ex-service personnel, with action in Iraq and Afghanistan claiming casualties.

The appeal is the first since soon after the Second World War.

Founded during the Great War of 1914-18 to support wounded soldiers returning from the front who had little or no accommodation or employment prospects, the Association now has properties throughout Scotland. It is a registered charity with Her Majesty the Queen as patron.

Given the go-ahead, the association hopes to start work on-site in Scone’s Abbey Road in May.

Bruce Osborne, chairman of the association's Perth District, said: “I’m delighted that council officers have given their full support to our aim of increasing our housing stock in Perthshire.

“We currently have 598 houses in Scotland, of which 28 are in the Perth and Kinross area.”

The final decision rests with members of the development control committee.

But Mr Osborne confirmed the Scone project was high on the association’s list of priorities.

He said £280,000 had been raised for the Abbey Road development from benefactors in the Perth area.

It’s understood that Poppyscotland will provide significant assistance with the balance of funding.

“The support we have received has been fantastic and we can’t wait to make a start on site,” said Mr Osborne.

mIn addition to army, navy and RAF veterans, merchant navy, fire and police personnel are eligible to apply for association units.