• 7.73   Kilmacolm Civic Trust wonders whether the term 'affordable' means that other houses are 'unaffordable'. CALA thinks that a house costing no more than £40,000 is 'affordable', but the council's alternative figure of no more than £60,000 is likely to be nearer the mark; 10% of houses sold in Kilmacolm in 2003 cost less than£60,000. The council's waiting list is not a good indicator of need; many of therequests for Kilmacolm come from applicants who live outside the village, so it is likely that any need for affordable housing can be met elsewhere in Inverclyde.

7.74   There is an over-supply of local authority rented accommodation; some may require upgrading to  attract  tenants, but that  should be done first  before  any consideration is given to the release of green belt land. In any event, there is no evidence of a substantial need for affordable housing in Kilmacolm. Such housing is often suitable for young couples or single people getting started on the housing ladder

– the largest increase in types of household in Inverclyde has been single-occupancy. These are the very people who require to be near employment opportunities but, with the lack of such opportunities locally and the exceptionally poor public transport situation in Kilmacolm and Quarriers, these villages seem unsuitable for that sector of the housing market.  Any such need that might emerge that cannot be met elsewhere in Inverclyde should be met within Kilmacolm, e.g. Smiddy Brae or land near the community centre, rather than a new green belt site.

You can read more about 'affordable' in this link