Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027 - 2032

What you told us

The Strategic Housing Investment Plan, or SHIP, outlines the potential affordable housing investment programme over the period 2027-2032 across Aberdeenshire. The main outcome of the plan is to enable the delivery of high quality, energy efficient affordable housing. In summer 2026 people were asked to provide their views and feedback on Aberdeenshire Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan for 2027 to 2032.

Survey participants were asked to rate the eight main aims of the plan in order of importance, if there were any further broad aims they felt should be included, and if they had any further comments regarding the plan.

There were 19 responses to the survey and the feedback has been collated.

The main aims of the SHIP which were deemed as the four most important by survey participants were:

• Provide social housing for rent
• Provide appropriate housing and support for older people
• Provide appropriate housing and support for people with a physical, mental health, or learning disability
• Prevent and alleviate homelessness

Survey participants commented on:

Affordable and Accessible Housing

Respondents consistently identified the provision of affordable housing as a key priority, particularly within rural communities where the availability of rental accommodation is perceived to be limited. There was strong support for housing that meets the needs of people who require additional assistance, including older people and those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or mental health conditions. Preventing and alleviating homelessness was also highlighted as an important priority.

Some respondents called for an increased supply of bungalows and other accessible housing options to enable older residents to downsize. This was seen as a way to better match housing stock to local needs while releasing larger family homes back into the housing sector. In addition to new-build development, respondents expressed support for purchasing suitable properties on the open market as an alternative means of increasing affordable housing supply.

Place and Sustainability

The protection of greenspaces emerged as an important factor for future housing development. Respondents generally favoured the use of brownfield sites for new housing wherever possible, helping to minimise the impact on valued green spaces.

Survey responses also emphasised the importance of a strong place-based approach to housing and community development. Good access to transport links and local services was viewed as essential, alongside efforts to reduce carbon emissions through the delivery of energy-efficient homes and the incorporation of renewable energy technologies.

Some respondents highlighted the importance of ensuring that resources generated locally are reinvested in ways that provide visible and practical benefits for local communities. Concerns were also raised about antisocial behaviour and its impact on residents' safety, wellbeing, and quality of life. Some felt that measures to address antisocial behaviour should form part of wider housing, place-making, and community planning initiatives.

What We're Doing

We will take into consideration all feedback which will play a vital role in shaping and guiding future housing developments across Aberdeenshire.

The draft SHIP 2027-2032 was presented to the Communities Committee on the 5th November for consideration and approved.

You can view the report and plan here under item 9: Agenda for Communities Committee on Thursday, 5th November, 2026, 10.15 am - Aberdeenshire Council