Argyll and Bute Council have recently approved the designation of some housing settlements as 'Pressured Areas'.

This decision, which does not affect Bute or Kintyre, means that for some ACHA tenants their right to buy will be suspended for a period of 10 years, commencing on 31st January 2012.

The decision for the Council to designate some settlements as ‘Pressured Areas’ was made in partnership with ACHA and Dunbritton Housing Association in a bid to help address the acute shortage of affordable housing in many parts of Argyll. In practical terms this means that homes which may have been sold under the ‘right to buy’ scheme will now remain available to let until at least 2022.

The effective date of the Pressured Areas status is 31st January 2012, therefore any applications for the right to buy from tenants in the areas noted below received on or after that date will be declined.

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It is important to note that in the event that applications do not meet the minimum criteria for right to buy they will be returned to applicants and if they are subsequently received after 31st January 2012 their application will not proceed.

You will be affected by this if you took over your tenancy on or after 30th September 2002 and live in one of the following areas:

•COWAL - Ardentinny, Blairmore, Colintraive, Dunoon/Kirn, Glendaruel, Innellan, Kames/Tighnabruiach, Kilmun, Lochgoilhead, Sandbank, Strachur, Strone, Toward.

•MID ARGYLL - Lochgilphead, Achahoish, Ardrishaig, Cairnbaan, Clachan, Crinan, Ford, Furnace, Inveraray, Kilmichael/Glassary, Minard, Tarbert.

•ISLAY, JURA and COLONSAY – Ballygrant, Bowmore, Bridgend, Bruichladdich, Keills/Port Askaig, Port Charlotte, Port Ellen, Portnahaven, Jura, Colonsay.

•LORN - Oban, Appin, Barcaldine, Bonawe, Clachan Seil/Easdale, Connel, North Connel, Dalmally, Dunbeg, Kilchrennan, Kilmore, Kilmelford, Kilninver, Lochawe, Taynuilt, Luing.

•MULL and IONA – Bunessan, Craignure, Salen/Aros, Tobermory.

COLL and TIREE – Coll, Tiree

•HELENSBURGH and LOMOND – Arrochar, Cardross, Garelochhead, Kilcreggan, Helensburgh, Luss, Rhu, Rosneath.

If you have any questions on how this may affect you please contact your local ACHA office.

(GK)