To achieve this the Council works closely with individuals, the private sector and other local housing providers such as Orkney Housing Association Limited (OHAL). Joined-up planning is essential in order to ensure that Orkney has sufficient dwellings, of appropriate tenure, of the right size and in the right location for the community’s future needs.

One exciting project that is taking place over the next few years is the development of the Wellington Street site in Kirkwall. OHAL plans to build up to 120 houses on the four hectare site and has adopted a policy of sustainability for their design. Following local consultation, OHAL proposed to base the design on ‘sunscoops’, crescents of about ten houses which trap the sun and enclose an area sheltered from the wind. The houses will have private gardens arranged around community spaces. Blocks have been broken down into linear elements to better reflect local tradition and simplify construction.

At the outset it was anticipated that ten to 15 houses would be built per year by local builders, and the design brief included the sustainable management of water, waste and energy. The greenfield site for development is located close to the town centre and to local amenities, such as Glaitness School, The Picaquoy Centre and the Balfour Hospital, as well as supermarkets, sports and leisure facilities.

The first phase of the development was submitted for planning approval in December 2003 and consists of three one- and a halfstorey properties and 32 terraced single-storey properties. While provision has been made to allow future attic conversion if required, in line with Lifetime Homes standards.

This first phase, which is being constructed by Main Contractor Orkney Builders (Contractors) Ltd, comprises mainly timber frame construction, with external facades comprising dry dash, blockwork and vertical cedar cladding. Roofs are pitched with concrete tiles, with fibreglass featuring to the sunspaces, which in this phase comprise small glazed south facing porches, solar gain via the sunspace is direct to the living room, with heat recovery extract from the sunspace to heat fresh incoming air.

Two of the properties have been directly constructed to wheelchair standard and feature carports. While a further 11 properties have been designed to amenity standard for the elderly. All properties have been built to Secure by Design standard.

Completing in March 2006, this first phase has been designed by Architect Pentarq. A three further phases are due on site, completing in September 2006, summer 2007 and spring 2008 respectively.