Aberdeenshire Council has called on communities, businesses and stakeholders to inform the development of the region's Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP), which details the potential affordable housing investment programme across the area from 2024-2029.

The plan sets out the strategic approach Aberdeenshire Council and its partners will take to deliver affordable housing in accordance with the local housing strategy.

Affordable housing can take a variety of forms, including social housing provided by councils and housing associations, and mid-market housing where homes have rents that are lower than the private-rented sector. Affordable home ownership is another route taken by some.

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Delivery of the SHIP will involve a range of partners, including Aberdeenshire Council, housing associations, Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership, the Scottish Government, the development industry, and landowners.

The plan is available to view online, along with a short survey seeking feedback on the proposed approach to affordable housing over the next five years.

Communities Committee chair Cllr Anne Stirling said: "The main outcome of the SHIP is to enable the continued delivery of high quality, energy efficient affordable housing across Aberdeenshire.

"I'd encourage anybody who hasn't already done so to complete the survey so that as wide a range of views as possible can be gathered ahead of the plan being considered for approval."

Committee vice-chair Cllr Hannah Powell said: "As well as highlighting where demand lies for properties, both in terms of house types and locations, the plan covers various important themes that are taken into consideration.

"These range from support for independent living and for households facing child poverty to the housing support services that are available, underlining the scope of this important plan."

This consultation runs until the end of Tuesday, October 17, and can be found at:bit.ly/SHIP2429