As most folk locally know, HIE is selling Orbost Estate, and it was always the intention that it would go into community ownership. When HIE first approached DCT about the sale several years ago, DCT commissioned a feasibility study to look into buying the whole estate (excluding the farm and small holdings , which are not part of the sale), as well as several surveys to gauge community support. The feasibility study and surveys are on the DCT website to view. The general reaction to the proposed purchase of such a large piece of woodland was mixed. Although more responded favorably for the proposal than not, the enthusiasm and support necessary for such a large community commitment was lacking. This seemed to be for a number of reasons- the price tag of £2 million (this has almost certainly increased over the last few years) and objection to HIE proposing to sell it back to the community at such a price, the amount of work and expertise such a large scale project would require, and a feeling that owning it would not address some of the major issues facing the area, like a lack of affordable housing. Without strong community support, it is not ethical or even possible for DCT to undertake such a project.
DCT have continued dialogue with HIE over options in Orbost, and in lieu of a purchase of the entire forest, HIE is prepared to sell the smaller area of Cruachan Wood to DCT. DCT has engaged their assistance in drawing up a draft business plan, which in its draft form includes the creation of 3 woodland crofts plus 1 or 2 house sites. It is proposed that these would all be subject to the Rural Housing Burden. DCT is also discussing with LSHA the possibility of an asset transfer of a plot of land which they originally intended to build 2 additional houses for affordable letting. The last valuation for Cruachan Wood has expired and will have to be revalued, and there are a few options in the route to a purchase, but we still think this is a positive and manageable project that will offer good value to the community and be a step in the right direction of addressing depopulation locally.
DCT met with Orbost residents and smallholders several weeks ago to discuss these plans; it was a positive and supportive meeting and they were keen for Bluebell Hill to also come into community ownership. HIE is open to this idea too, so we will await a revised and up to date valuation. We would like to open this discussion up to the wider community, with the goal of surveying members to gauge support in the coming weeks. There are links below to the draft business plan, information on Woodland crofts, the communities housing trust and the rural housing burden.
Communities Housing Trust Website
