Family move into council 'gap site' homes in Clydebank

Sania Ishtiaq recently moved to the property in Hardgate with her husband Amirmehmood, her five-year old son Huzaifamehmood and her seven-month old daughter Hadiyaamir.

It is one of two modular homes completed earlier this year at Gilmour Avenue as part of the Council’s ambitious house-building programme.

However, the project wasn't completely smooth sailing as the building contractor Connect Modular Ltd went into administration in January last year.

Efforts were made over the following months to secure a new contractor to complete the homes which were '80 per cent' finished.

Councillor William Rooney has kept up to date with the project and advocated for a new contractor to be found. (Image: Cllr William Rooney)

In June, it was confirmed that CCG (Scotland) Ltd took on the contract to complete the two homes on the site.

Following on from the disruption, the Ishtiaq family have shared their joy of moving into their new home.

Huzaifamehmood is non-verbal autistic and mum, Sania, says he is enjoying having more space, a secure garden and stairs.

Sania said: “We had been staying in a ground floor flat but we had outgrown that property. We have got much more space here.

“We’ve got an open plan kitchen, living and dining area. We’ve also got a secure garden.

“My son is quite happy just going up and down the stairs. It’s in a nice quiet area. It’s made a huge difference to us.”

The 535-square metre plot was developed into two semi-detached three-bedroom homes with off-street car parking.

They are of modular construction, a fast and efficient development method which will also reduce the environmental impact.

The gap site was previously the location of timber garages on concrete bases however these had been demolished a number of years ago.

Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, convener of Housing and Communities, said: “I am delighted for Sania and her family that they have been able to move into this property which better suits their needs. It is great to hear about the difference this has made.

“This development shows a real commitment from West Dunbartonshire Council to utilise small pockets of land which otherwise serve no purpose in order to meet demand for housing.”

Councillor Hazel Sorrell, vice convener of Housing and Communities, said: “It is always heartening to hear about families thriving in homes which are appropriate to their needs.

"I am glad that Sania and her family are settling in well in their new surroundings.”