Sheltered housing facilities to close in Aberdeenshire as fate of 17 sites decided

The fate of 17 sheltered housing facilities at risk of closure across Aberdeenshire was decided today.

A special meeting of Aberdeenshire Council’s communities committee was held today to discuss the complexes.

The local authority currently operates 56 sheltered housing schemes, but earlier this year it was revealed that 17 facilities were at risk of being shuttered.

This was the result of a review of sheltered housing that was initially launched back in 2023.

Council officers said the potential closures were needed due to factors including falling tenancy rates and increasing maintenance costs.

Ahead of the meeting, protesters made their voices heard loud and clear outside Woodhill House while brandishing placards.

As the discussion got underway, 14 people argued their cases for various facilities across the region by making speeches in a bid to sway councillors.

But after a five-hour debate and lengthy discussions, a final decision was made.

Sheltered housing venues to be closed:

Albany Court, Fraserburgh (services will remain at the three linked cottages)
Burnside Court, Portsoy
Cumrye, Cuminestown (services will remain at the four linked cottages)
Malcolm Forbes Court, Rosehearty
Mearns Court, Laurencekirk (services to stay at the 24 linked cottages)
Renouard Court, St Fergus

Council officers will now discuss the next steps with tenants and explain the timeline for these closures.

It is expected the schemes could take months, if not years, to close for good.

Aberdeenshire Council has said it will ensure tenants have a choice in where they move and will support them if they choose to move outside the region.

Three sites, Doune Court Strathdon, Gamrie Bay Court, Gardenstown, and Invercairn Court, Cairnbulg, are to stay open.

Services will continue to be delivered as usual at these three facilities.

Those moving to the ‘enhanced housing’ model:

Airlie House, Kintore
Cantlay Court, Cruden Bay
Deveron Court, Turriff
Forbes Court, New Pitsligo
James Cullen Court, Huntly
Kinbroom House, Rothienorman
Nether Davah House, Inverurie
Slater Court, Ellon

Under this arrangement, current tenants will stay where they are and existing services and staffing arrangements will remain unchanged.

If a tenant’s needs change or the building is no longer suitable for them, an assessment will be carried out to understand how they can best be supported going forward.

Future tenants are expected to be over 55 who are physically able and capable to live independently and the sheltered housing would be phased out.

Banff councillor Glen Reynolds urged the committee to halt the proposed closures to allow further discussions between officers and tenants.

He stressed it was important that the council listen to its residents and ensure the right decision was made to support them.

Banchory councillor Ann Ross backed this suggestion, noting that the choice made by members would affect people’s homes.

She also made it clear that tenants were “not numbers on a spreadsheet” but “national treasures that must be protected”.

However following a vote, the officer recommendations were passed by nine to five.

Council co-leader Anne Stirling apologised for causing any stress or anxiety to those caught up in the process.

She added: “We are the custodians of tenants’ rents and we have to make sure that what we do with that rent is actually viable, sustainable, affordable and delivers what the majority of tenants in Aberdeenshire need.”