A NEW location has been identified for a possible co-housing development in Glasgow which could see 22 new homes built and aims to tackle loneliness.

Clachan Cohousing is looking at Summerston as a possible location for the housing development.

The group is planning to create a community of 22 households and a shared house for communal activities.

A growing number of co-housing initiatives are being planned across Scotland, which aim to bring back community and neighbourly connections and tackle loneliness.

Residents are encouraged to gather for events or eat together a few times a week.

Last year the group was awarded five days of consultancy time by the Right to Build Task Force, a UK government initiative to encourage self-building.

Clachan worked with Assemble Architects to develop a business plan and to sketch out initial ideas for site layouts.

Through this process, Clachan has been able to develop and outline feasibility study.

The group is holding a public meeting on Saturday, March 2 at Ledgowan Tenants Hall at 10.30am to discuss the plans and recruit possible new members.

Martin Graham, who is leading the project, said: “We’re still committed to creating a community led self-built housing project in Maryhill.

“The group has worked very hard to bring the plans to this stage, and we’re more convinced than ever of the need for affordable, sustainable housing which addresses people’s social needs as well as their basic requirements for shelter.

“Working with Assemble Architects has given us a real boost and its very exciting to see outline sketches for the project.

Frank McGachy, who is part of the group, said: “I’ve been active in the community for many years working paid and voluntary with with charities, coops, credit unions, community business and the churches across the West of Scotland.

“I realized that the individualistic lifestyle of the last 40 years has created social and economic division in society.

“The environmental challenges of the near future require a collective response if we are to effectively address them.

“Clachan is a model response to all of this. I want to be part of a group of people wanting to literally build this response.”

Another project, Penington House, is underway and aims to provide neighbourly care to the over 50s – a group particularly at risk of loneliness. The project currently has around 100 people interested in living in the space.

To attend the meeting organised by Clachan Co-housing visit www.eventbrite.com/e/clachan-cohousing-public-meeting-tickets-55726486421