The Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee met to discuss housing investment and local budget allocations. Councillors agreed in principle to an application from Kincardineshire Development Partnership, and approved an application from Portlethen & District Men's Shed. Councillors also reviewed the Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026-2031, providing feedback to the Communities Committee.

Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026-2031

The committee reviewed the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026-2031 (SHIP), which outlines investment priorities for affordable housing over the next five years. The SHIP is a requirement from the Scottish Government, and informs their housing investment decisions.

Key points of the SHIP:

• Purpose: To set out investment priorities for affordable housing, demonstrate how these will be delivered, identify required resources, and enable key partner involvement.
• Completions: In the past year, 19 completions took place in Stonehaven and Laurencekirk, with 8 units suitable for particular needs.
• Future Plans: The SHIP aims to deliver 2,291 new affordable homes, with 27% suitable for particular needs and 10% fully wheelchair accessible. Social rent properties will constitute 78% of the units, with the remainder as mid-market rent or affordable home ownership.
• Housing Needs: There is a significant need for one-bedroom units and larger family-sized properties, along with particular needs housing stock.
• Challenges: The construction sector faces ongoing challenges, including rising costs, skills shortages, and material availability.
• Affordable Housing Policy: A high proportion (76%) of affordable housing development relies on contributions from the private development industry, as mandated by the Local Development Plan's Affordable Housing Policy¹.

The SHIP identifies 507 homes proposed for Kincardine and Mearns: 304 for social rent, 143 for mid market rent, and 60 for low cost shared equity.

The committee was asked to provide feedback on the plan to the Communities Committee.

Area Committee Budget 2025-2026

The committee considered three applications to the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee Budget 2025-2026.

• Portlethen & District Men's Shed: Councillors agreed to an application for £616.39 to update battery-operated hand tools and add new equipment. The Portlethen & District Men's Shed is a Scottish charity that promotes wellbeing, education, and healthy lifestyles for retired men, although they also have women members. The total cost of the tools and equipment is £1,232.77, with the remaining funds coming from the group's own funds.
• Kincardineshire Development Partnership (KDP): Councillors agreed in principle to an application for £1,238.00 for a community-led tourism network pilot project. The project aims to bring together local tourism groups and organisations to ensure sustainable tourism that benefits communities. The total cost is £12,372.00, with a separate application submitted to the Coastal Communities Challenge Fund 2025 for £11,134.00.
• Tangleha Artists Collective: Councillors noted the use of Area Manager Officer Powers to approve an application from Tangleha Artists Collective for £1,001.00. The funding will support the installation of 930 tonnes of rock armour to protect the Coastal Trail at Tangleha, properties, and farmland from erosion and storm damage. The Area Manager exercised Officer Powers, in consultation with the Area Chair and Ward 19 Members, as the group required proof of match funding for the Rural Communities Challenge Fund by early August.

Other Matters

• Equality Duty: The committee agreed to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations when making decisions.