Kincluny Development Trust, a social enterprise formed in September, has just announced its first public consultation regarding Kincluny, Scotland’s very first sustainable village, inspired by the north-east housing shortage, intricate new technologies and a clear passion for social purpose. The consultation will take place on Thursday 24 November, between 2pm and 8pm, at Drumoak Church Hall, Drumoak, Aberdeenshire. Further consultations will be held, in association with Robert Gordon University, in early 2012.

Kincluny is expected to be the country’s largest sustainable construction project. It will blend social enterprise principles and practises with 32 years of building expertise to harness the most up-to-date technologies and produce comfortable, desirable, affordable properties across the entire housing spectrum.

“Kincluny is unlike any other development,” says Bill Burr, managing director at CHAP Homes. “It’s not all about the buildings. Bricks and mortar come later. It’s about creating a community where people want to live and work. We’re excited about sharing our mission with the public during the consultation period. Their feedback is essential to further the vision.”

Leona McDermid, commercial director at Aberdeen Foyer, continued: “We want local people to recognise that the village will be self-contained and self-sufficient. The Development Trust business model means that Kincluny will be financially stable with the micro economy ‘locked in.’ The community-owned social enterprise will unlock and build social capital for its people. Business units mean employment, training and entrepreneurship opportunities. Kincluny will add amenities, such as a primary school and thriving community centre, to the area.”

“The physical place still has to be built but the foundations of the community are well under way. The Development Trust has a clear shared vision of what the village will look like and what it could be like to live and work there. It’s truly inspiring. Social purpose and sustainability are at the heart of Kincluny.

Bill continued: “Kincluny will turn sustainability principles from rhetoric in a glossy brochure to a day-to-day community reality. It will be built on a former-quarry brownfield site to the highest specification in terms of renewable energy, conservation and environmental technologies. We are promising a carbon neutral target.”

“Kincluny really is pioneering a new era of housing developments. In the 21st century communities need to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. They must consider self-sufficiency, mobility and provision of energy and food. Kincluny will take responsibility for managing its own future development, promoting community life and ensure long-term financial stability. This is true sustainability.

“The new village has the potential to alter the perception of creating and managing community life. The social capital of a community is becoming just as important, if not more prevalent, than the buildings themselves. I can’t wait to inspire Aberdeen at the public consultations.”