WDT Properties To Let
WDT already have 3 one-bedroom flats and 1 two-bedroom flat which are let subject to the housing allocations policy developed with community input. We work with letting agent DandH Law to manage the letting of them on our behalf. Details of the properties are available on their website and links below.
Two-bedroom Flat Details from DandH Law
Westray Housing Needs 2024
One of the key areas of challenge on Westray is the availability of housing for both existing locals and those looking to move to the island. WDT has already developed four one-bedroom flats at Bayview and is now looking into the potential of developing additional housing to help meet potential need.
The Trust appointed L & L Fraser Ltd to undertake a housing needs assessment which has helped us identify any specific housing needs in Westray. This needs assessment will feed into the development of any business cases focusing on the purchase of or development of housing on the island, as well as supporting funding bids for support from the Scottish Land Fund, Rural and Islands Housing Fund and Orkney Islands Council.
A copy of the Westray Housing Needs Report 2024 can be viewed here.
The report concludes that there is a need for additional housing on Westray. Particularly family housing for young people to grow into and for families already on Westray and looking to move to the island. The report recommends that WDT look to renovate a two-bedroom property for affordable rent, and explore the potential of developing new build properties, including low cost home ownership models. It also noted that time is of the essence for access to funding from the Rural and Islands Housing Fund.
The Bayview Project
Following several meetings and discussions with potential funders, OIC, and others, Westray Development Trust proposed the refurbishment of Bayview to help address the acute shortage of housing in Westray.
The project renovated the former Harbour Master’s House at Gill Pier into four 1-2 bedroom flats. These became available for rent late 2023 and now contribute to increasing and diversifying the housing options available in Westray.
WDT is working with a letting agent to manage the flats on our behalf, subject to the housing allocations policy developed with community input.
Details of the project progress can be found here.
WDT Local Lettings Policy
In order to establish rental allocations priorities for Westray, the WDT also consulted with the community on a Local Lettings Policy in November 2020, and again in November 2021 when the policy was adopted.
A copy of the policy can be viewed/downloaded here.
Westray Housing Needs Surveys
In order to establish if the community desire housing development in Westray, WDT conducted a Housing Needs Survey in February 2018 and again in November 2021. These showed that there is a continued need for housing to be developed.
A copy of the November 2021 survey can be viewed here.