The process to appoint a builder for 44 highly sought after new St Ninians council homes has begun – but almost 800 homeseekers are vying to move in.
Councillors have approved the start of the procurement process to develop the site at Graystale Road, which will create the 44 new council housing units.
But they were also told it would help with huge demand for homes in the area.
Housing officials reported to a recent meeting of Stirling Council’s community wellbeing and housing committee: “Housing need in Stirling remains high, with over 2,800 households on the housing waiting list.
“St Ninians Cultenhove area will be the letting area for the new development.
“There are currently 790 housing list applicants.
“There is particularly high demand for smaller house types. In addition there is demand across the Stirling area for fully accessible properties.
“House type mix presented within the proposals will assist in providing sought after accommodation required within the area.”
The officials said the £11 million project would be funded through council’s Housing Revenue Account but the Scottish Government was expected to fund the majority.
They added: “The site at Graystale Road was previously occupied by council owned four storey tenement flats which had been built circa 1950.
“By the turn of the century the flats were in low demand and as such the decision was taken to demolish these as part of the regeneration of the area, the site has been vacant since the demolitions were completed in 2012.”
Planning permission to build new homes at the site was approved in August 2024 and it is expected the successful contractor will break ground on the site in 2026.
Community Wellbeing and Housing Convener, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “We’re keenly aware of the demand for affordable housing within Stirling, and indeed across Scotland.
“This decision brings the prospect of high quality social housing a step closer to reality within the St Ninians area as a long vacant plot will be brought into use.
“I, like many of our residents, am keen to see spades being put into the ground on more affordable housing developments and following the conclusion of the appropriate procurement process, we will look forward to seeing the new development coming forward.”
He told the recent meeting of the council’s community, housing and wellbeing committee: “This is a very positive development and meets the aspirations of the council.”
Councillor Scott Farmer added: “As local member I certainly welcome this much needed development of social housing and congratulate officers for the work they have undertaken.”
The housing development at Graystale Road will comprise of one, two, three and four bedroom homes and also includes wheelchair accessible bungalows.
The proposals feature: eight one-bedroom cottage flats; eight two-bedroom cottage flats; 12 two-storey, two bedroom properties; eight two-storey, three bedroom properties; four two-storey, four bedroom properties; two two-bedroom, single storey fully accessible; one three-bedroom, single storey full accessible; and one four-bedroom, single storey fully accessible.
All properties will have a private garden and be fitted with new low energy and renewable technologies for heating, hot water and ventilation such as Air Source or Exhaust Air Heat Pumps.
They will also be fitted with solar panels and battery storage.