Kinbroom House, Rothienorman

Kinbroom House is classed as low demand in housing terms, which refers to a situation where there are fewer people applying for or accepting offers of accommodation in a particular property or scheme than expected or needed to keep it viable.

This can be measured by:

• High vacancy rates (units sitting empty for long periods).
• Frequent refusals of offers made to applicants.
• Low numbers of applications for available properties.
• Feedback from applicants indicating the property or location does not meet their needs or preferences.

The properties will have previously been advertised via the Choice Based Letting portal, but if no applicants note an interest by bidding then the Housing Options team reach out to applicants on the waiting list to see if they would be interesting in accepting an offer of a flat at Kinbroom, this includes advertising locally with posters and contacting local community councils to ask them to reach out to the wider community to see if there is any interest.

There are several Sheltered Housing schemes within Inverurie, Kintore and Oldmeldrum area. At the same time we acknowledge that these locations may not be a tenants preference. Which is why we have committed to a person-centred approach to finding alternative accommodation for anyone affected by the closure of a Sheltered Housing scheme. This means that if the closure of a scheme is agreed, any relocation will depend on the individual needs and preferences of each tenant. Options could include rehousing in another Aberdeenshire Council Sheltered Housing property, or another Sheltered Housing scheme in other locations, or another council property (with suitable adaptations where needed). We would also help to facilitate an application to another social landlord (such as a Housing Association) or a move to the private sector if that is the tenant’s preference.
Normal letting rules will not apply to any offers we make to affected tenants, so tenants will be given time to consider any offer and able to refuse an offer that they do not feel is right for them. We acknowledge process will take several months maybe longer to get the right accommodation for everyone.

Here’s how we will support tenants:

1. Personalised Support Plans
    Each tenant will receive a tailored support plan developed in close consultation with them and their families. This will include understanding their preferences, health needs, social connections, and emotional well being.
2. Staying Local
    Wherever possible, we will prioritise finding alternative accommodation within the same or nearby area. This helps tenants stay close to family, friends, and the community services they know and trust.
3. Familiarity and Continuity
    We will aim to match tenants with accommodation that offers a similar level of support and environment to what they are used to, helping to maintain a sense of continuity and comfort.
4. No Rush to Move
    There will be no pressure to move quickly. We will take the time needed to find the right option for each individual, ensuring they feel safe and confident in their new home.
5. Ongoing Communication
    Tenants and their families will be kept informed throughout the process, with regular updates and opportunities to ask questions or raise concerns.
6. Emotional and Practical Support
    Our housing teams will be available to support and assist with everything from viewing new properties to settling in, and we will work closely with health and social care partners where required to ensure a smooth transition.

We want to be absolutely clear: no final decision has been made about the future of the sheltered housing scheme in Rothienorman. We are currently in the middle of a formal consultation process, and the views, ideas, and concerns of residents and the wider community are central to that process.

From a housing perspective, we fully understand that these are not just buildings—they are homes that people have chosen, where they feel safe, supported, and part of a community. 

We are listening carefully to suggestions from residents, families, and community groups—many of which have already provided thoughtful and creative ideas for how the scheme could be sustained or adapted.

This consultation is not a formality—it is a genuine opportunity to shape the future of Sheltered Housing in Aberdeenshire. We encourage everyone to continue sharing their views and suggestions, and we are committed to ensuring that any decision reflects the needs and values of the community.

Thank you for your question regarding the future of the building.

At this stage, no decision has been made about the future use of Kinbroom House in Rothienorman. The site is currently part of a wider review of 17 sheltered housing schemes across Aberdeenshire, which is being carried out to assess long-term sustainability, condition, and suitability for current and future needs.

From a housing perspective, it’s important to emphasise that any potential changes would be subject to full consultation, detailed assessment, and approval by the relevant council committees. Until that process is complete, no plans have been confirmed for re-purposing, selling, or redeveloping the building.

We understand that uncertainty can be unsettling, especially for residents and families who care deeply about their community. That’s why we are committed to:

• Keeping residents informed at every stage of the process.
• Ensuring that any future use of the building—should changes be proposed—aligns with the needs of the local area.
• Exploring all options that could retain the building’s value to the community, whether for housing, health, or other local services.

Your input, and that of the wider community, is vital in shaping what happens next. We encourage everyone to continue participating in the consultation process and to share ideas and concerns.

Thank you for your question regarding age restrictions and the advertising of sheltered housing.

To clarify, Aberdeenshire Council’s Housing Allocation Policy does not impose a strict age limit for sheltered housing. Instead, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, which typically include a need for level access and barrier free housing, and facilities to increase opportunities for social interaction due to health, mobility, or social circumstances—regardless of age.

However, we acknowledge that this flexibility in eligibility may not have been widely communicated. The perception that sheltered housing is only for older adults is common, and we value your views on the need to improve how we promote and explain the criteria to ensure that all eligible residents—regardless of age—are aware of their options.

Your feedback is valuable and will help us ensure that our communication is transparent and reaches all those who could benefit from sheltered housing.