Extra houses to be built in Hoofields scheme

Two more houses have been added to the new scheme at Hoofields.

Local builders DITT are already building 20 houses in the north Lerwick area as part of a contract awarded by the council earlier this year. When DITT came on site, it realised there was space to add a pair of two-bedroom properties.

Because it cropped up during the election campaign, the decision was authorised with the use of emergency powers by SIC chief executive Alistair Buchan. He said using such powers “sparingly” was appropriate when there was a clear benefit to the council.

Political leader Gary Robinson agreed, saying the extra houses were “entirely within the aims of the council” to make more affordable housing available.

An initial plan to build 70 houses at Hoofields was put on hold last year, with the SIC later deciding that Hjaltland Housing should be asked to look at developing the remainder of the site.