West Dunbartonshire Council has been awarded more than £1m by the Scottish Government to develop state-of-the-art eco homes in Bonhill.
If plans are given the green light then Pappert will become the location of the region’s first Passivhaus homes.
Passivhaus, or “passive house” in English, is a leading design standard for eco-homes which uses less energy and cuts bills.
By using of pioneering technology at the building stage including enhanced insulation, airtightness and solar power, the homes are able to retain heat from activities like cooking, using computers or showering.
These activities are then used to heat the home instead of a traditional central heating system.
Supporters believe the energy-efficient model will be vital in the move towards net zero by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, heating costs are so low for tenants of Passivhaus properties they are “far less likely” to default on their rent.
Twenty-seven low-energy houses and flats could be built in Pappert if the plans are given the go-ahead. They will be a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes and there will also be nine flats.
The site in Pappert was one of 15 chosen to benefit as part of stage two of the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, announced earlier this month
West Dunbartonshire Council will be awarded £500,000 in 2023/24, with additional funding in future years to deliver the homes.
The planned development will be subject to an approved planning application.
Council leader, Councillor Martin Rooney, said: “I am delighted that we have been successful in gaining funding to help with transforming this site. The proposed pilot project aims to provide much-needed high quality, affordable homes in our area, making use of a derelict patch of land.”
Deputy leader, Councillor Michelle McGinty, said: “During a cost of living crisis when everyone is worrying about their finances, reducing the running costs for households is more important than ever. I welcome this funding which will help us put a vacant piece of land to good use for our communities.”
The news was also welcomed by Bonhill councillor Ian Dickson of the SNP, who launched a programme targeting unsightly gap sites in the area.
He said: “Bonhill’s gap sites have been a messy and neglected blight on the hill for far too long so I am really pleased that after years of meetings, site visits and negotiations, the work of Cllr Diane Docherty and myself has finally borne fruit and these new eco-homes have approval from, and importantly the financial support of, the Scottish government.
“As requested the Pappert development will mostly consist of larger three and four bedroom homes, starting to address the historic shortfall of large family homes in the area with the added benefit of big energy savings for the families who live in them.
“This Pappert development and some others now being considered nearby will bring a multitude of benefits to local folk and I can’t wait to see construction finished and these special homes being occupied by their new residents.”
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “By targeting long-standing vacant and derelict land we can ensure that investment reaches the areas that need it most.
“The Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme helps attract investment to locations which have lain dormant for years.
“It also supports low carbon developments, such as this housing development in Pappert, that will accelerate our ambition of helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045 and grow an economy that is greener, fairer and more prosperous.
“I congratulate West Dunbartonshire Council on this innovative project.”
