Latest news with #CalaHomes
The Courier
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Bid to increase number of homes at controversial Aberdour housing site approved
Plans to increase the number of homes at a controversial Aberdour housing development have been approved. Cala Homes and Hillside School now have permission to build 186 houses, alongside a new school campus, on the corner of Main Street and Mill Farm Road. The fresh bid follows the previous approval of 125 houses on appeal to the Scottish Government. They were originally turned down by councillors following 350 local objections. Members of Fife Council's west and central planning committee shared many of the residents' concerns. They fear the development will negatively affect Aberdour, and could lead to traffic congestion. The effect of extra traffic on a 'nasty' junction near the development site was also raised. However, councillors were told using those reasons to refuse the application would not stand up if the developer appealed. Approval will now allow Hillside School to move out of the B-listed Hillside House and into purpose-built accommodation. The plans also include a mix of three, four and five-bedroom homes, 46 of them affordable. However, they will cover a 15% smaller area than the previous proposal. Planning officer Scott Simpson said the site has sufficient capacity to increase the number of homes. And he added: 'It would integrate well within the existing Aberdour settlement.' Some concerns remain, however. Conservative councillor Dave Dempsey's attempt to force the developer to improve the concerning junction was rejected. However, members have agreed to attach an advisory note to the planning permission saying construction traffic should not use the A921 to enter the site. Cala Homes will also have to pay £179,000 towards the cost of temporary accommodation at Aberdour Primary School.
The Courier
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Plans to increase number of homes at controversial Aberdour site set for approval
Plans to increase the number of homes at a controversial Aberdour housing development will go before councillors next week. Cala Homes and Hillside School now want to build 186 houses, alongside a new school campus. A previous bid for 125 homes was approved by the Scottish Government on appeal. It followed refusal by Fife Council after 350 local objections. Eighty people have now objected to the fresh application. However, planning officers have hailed it as welcoming and high-quality, and are recommending approval. Planning papers to be considered on Wednesday reveal construction will take more than five-and-a-half years if the proposal goes ahead. Further details of the site's layout and how many homes will be built in each stage are also set out. Cala Homes and Hillside School submitted their latest planning application in December. If approved, it would allow Hillside School to move out of the B-listed Hillside House and into purpose-built accommodation. The plans include a mix of three, four and five-bedroom homes, 46 of them affordable. However, they would cover a 15% smaller area than the previous proposal. Construction would take place in five phases, starting with 46 houses at the western end. This would allow Hillside School to remain open while the new campus is built. A vehicular access from Mill Farm Road would also be created in the first phase. Access from Main Street would come later, while the plans also show multiple pedestrian and cycle accesses and an internal loop road. Objectors fear the development would alter Aberdour's character and cause traffic congestion in the village. They are also concerned about the impact on the primary school and health services. But planning officer Scott Simpson says the site has sufficient capacity to increase the number of homes. And he adds: 'It would integrate well within the existing Aberdour settlement.' Should planning permission be granted, the developer will have to pay more than £179,000 towards the cost of temporary accommodation at Aberdour Primary. Meanwhile, an economic impact assessment suggests construction would create 250 full-time jobs. This could result in a £31.6 million boost to local businesses.
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Hamilton pupils learn about dangers of building sites
Woodhead Primary youngsters had an interactive lesson all about housebuilding with staff from construction firm Cala Pupils at a Hamilton school found at all about the construction industry from a housebuilder developing a nearby site – including the vital lesson of staying safe by staying away from construction sites. Woodhead Primary welcomed Jordan Hughes and Nicki Elliot of Cala Homes, who are building 26 new properties at Cornhill Village off Strathaven Road, which forms part of the wider Hamilton community growth area. Site manager Jordan told youngsters in the Primary Four and Five classes how staff work to keep the site safe including giving pupils the chance to try on protective equipment including hard hats and hi-vis vests, while they also learned about career opportunities in the construction sector. The Cala staff's visit formed part of the construction firm's Stay Safe, Stay Away programme educating youngsters about the dangers of playing at construction sites and which gives a 'stark warning about the dangers of going into construction areas unsupervised'. Jordan highlighted some of the hidden dangers on building sites and said: 'The Stay Safe, Stay Away programme is designed to spread the message to children that construction sites are not somewhere to play around – as responsible homebuilders we have created a programme that lets children and young people know that the message is serious but is presented in a way that's easy for them to digest.' The interactive session – part of Cala's community pledge to invest in areas where the company is building – also covered the history of constructing homes as well as the variety of career opportunities within the industry. Marketing co-ordinator Nicki added: 'Another aim of this initiative is to bring to life how new homes are developed and the important role that housebuilders play in creating sustainable new communities; it was great to see the children engaged with the presentation, and they especially enjoyed trying on different types of PPE which we use on site.' The Cornhill Village development of four- and five-bedroomed detached homes will incorporate biodiversity features and sustainable technology including solar panels, while a showhome has been kitted out with items supplied by Hamilton businesses as part of an initiative to showcase nearby brands and amenities to potential future residents. It is Cala's first development in Hamilton since constructing nearby Wellshaw Grove more than a decade ago, with the first residents of Cornhill Village set to move in this summer. * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Scotsman
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Plans unveiled for almost 100 new family homes in ‘sought-after' Scottish town
'We are committed to delivering high-quality homes that will complement the existing surroundings and provide a fantastic place to live' Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Housebuilder Cala Homes has started work on a multi-million-pound development in one of Aberdeenshire's 'most sought-after locations'. The firm said it was building 95 new properties at Conglass, in Inverurie, following the success of a neighbouring project in 2021. The latest development is expected to support 190 local construction jobs, alongside a further 140 roles in the wider supply chain. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It will offer a mix of homes to suit 'a variety of buyers', from first-time homeowners to growing families and downsizers, Cala noted. Once completed, the scheme will comprise a mix of four and five bedroom homes, alongside 24 new 'affordable' homes. Cala Homes is building 95 new properties at Conglass, Inverurie, following the success of a neighbouring project in 2021. Plans for the project were approved by councillors last year and the development will have almost 25,000 square metres of open space, which will account for some 40 per cent of the site. Conglass is one of six sites in the north-east of Scotland that the company will build out in 2025, supporting more than 1,000 jobs across the region. It has also started work on 383 homes across sites at Oldfold Village in Milltimber (92 homes), Craibstone (80 homes), Upper Lochton in Banchory (68 homes), and Grandhome (76 homes) and Silverburn (67 homes) in Bridge of Don. Ross Maclennan, land director at Cala Homes (North), said: 'We are thrilled to begin work on this exciting new development in Inverurie. This area has long been a desirable location due to its excellent transport links, strong community feel, and access to outstanding local amenities. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'At Cala Homes we are passionate about community and have engaged in consultations with local stakeholders throughout the planning process to ensure this development meets the aspirations and needs of local people. This collaborative approach has informed various aspects of the project, from architectural design to the enhancement of local infrastructure, aiming to create a development that complements and enhances the existing character of Inverurie. 'We are committed to delivering high-quality homes that will complement the existing surroundings and provide a fantastic place to live.'
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cala Homes decorates New Forest showhome with local products
Cala Homes (Southern) has decorated its four-bedroom Magnolia showhome at the Knightwood Chase development with products from independent shops in Fordingbridge. This is to celebrate and support local businesses around the town. This is part of Cala Homes' 'Showhome of Support' initiative, aimed at promoting community connections and supporting small retailers. The initiative is part of Cala's Community Pledge, which aims to have a positive social impact in areas where it builds through community engagement initiatives such as school workshops, volunteering, donations, sponsorships and bursaries. READ MORE: The Lord Nelson pub on Poole Quay reopens after revamp Showhome of Support initiative promotes small businesses at Cala's new development (Image: Chris White) The featured products from independent businesses include Downtown Brewery Beers, Cyril's Soap Shed, Belz & Co Candles, a New Forest Tote Bag from All Sorts Emporium, New Forest Spring Water, Forest Edge Coffee, New Forest Shortbread, Pallettech Kreatons Hooks and Wooden Sculpture, Love to b Hand Soap and Lotion and a New Forest Countryside Bath Bridge. The showhome provides a platform for these businesses to showcase their products to a wider audience in a real-life setting. All these products are displayed in various parts of the showhome, including the kitchen, bathroom, lounge, utility, dining room and study. A Cala Homes spokesperson said: "This unique project highlights our dedication to fostering community connections and supporting local, small retailers." Knightwood Chase offers a range of properties, including two, three and four-bedroom homes, catering to growing families and those looking to downsize. The development is situated on the edge of the New Forest National Park. All homes come with an all-inclusive specification, including integrated kitchen appliances, Amtico flooring, carpets, lawned rear gardens and solar panels. For more information, visit the Cala Homes website.
