City council Planning Convener Cllr James Dalgleish writes about a bold and ambitious plan agreed last week by councillors to make better use of land in the Capital:
Edinburgh’s population is growing fast and so a major highlight of City Plan 2030 is setting aside enough land to accommodate 53,000 much needed homes.
It will help to inform planning decisions going forward to guide sustainable growth and where we can we’ll agree the use of brownfield land rather than precious greenfield sites for new development.
Last year we declared a housing emergency to address the city’s chronic shortage of affordable housing so integral to the plan is that each new housing development will have to include a minimum of 35% affordable homes.
To look after the wellbeing of our residents and meet our climate goals we need to look wider than just providing new homes though. We’re going to create sustainable neighbourhoods fit for local modern living where people can afford to buy or rent their homes. Residents will have job opportunities nearby and be able to walk, or wheel to educational and healthcare facilities, enjoy cultural and sporting activities and easily access public transport to visit other parts of Edinburgh.
It is important that we meet the needs of everyone who wants to live in our beautiful Capital. Edinburgh is also an internationally renowned university city and the plan will help guide where and how much student accommodation we have in the future. On larger sites coming forward developers will be asked to provide other housing, particularly affordable homes, allowing students to live alongside a mix of others within communities.
The plan will also help Edinburgh to transition to net zero by reducing carbon emissions from new buildings and in areas of regeneration we’re delivering new heat networks and energy infrastructure.
New environmental policies are also key as it is vital we protect our beautiful green spaces, the wellbeing of our residents, reduce flooding and improve air quality.
I’d like to thank all those residents, community groups and businesses who helped us to get City Plan 2030 over the line and acknowledge the hard work of Council officers who were part of this.
Scottish Government urged to prioritise investment in essential services for older people
HANOVER Scotland’s CEO, Angela Currie, is urging the Scottish Government to allocate part of the new £3.4 billion funding from the UK Budget towards critical investments in social care and housing.
The budget announcement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves marked a significant increase in devolved funds, and Angela emphasises that a strategic portion of this must be directed towards empowering older adults to live safely and independently.
With a rapidly aging population, Angela warns that overlooking these essential services will only exacerbate existing pressures on Scotland’s healthcare and social systems.
Angela said: “Our first priority must be restoring the adaptation budget to its previous levels. This funding is essential for making homes safer and accessible for older adults.
“Secondly is to close the gap in subsidies for new-build social housing, enabling us to construct more affordable homes.
“Lastly, we need robust investment in social care, which is crucial for supporting our aging communities and preventing undue strain on health services.
“Investing wisely in these areas is not just beneficial but essential for a sustainable and compassionate future.”
Angela highlights that this comprehensive approach will have a long-term impact, reducing the costly burden on the NHS and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.
The need for investment is underscored by recent budget cuts that have severely impacted housing adaptation funding. The Scottish Government slashed this budget by 25%, from £11 million to £8.245 million, leaving housing associations like Hanover Scotland in a difficult position.
This reduction means older and disabled residents risk being trapped in unsafe homes or hospital beds, contributing to bed-blocking and intensifying pressure on healthcare services.
Angela said: “The modest investment required to make homes safe pales in comparison to the enormous cost of hospital stays and long-term care.
“Without adequate funding, we risk further overwhelming our health and social care systems.
“Our mission is to empower older adults to live with dignity and independence, but the current funding situation is making that increasingly difficult.
“We are calling on the Scottish Government to act now and prioritise social care and housing. This isn’t just about housing; it’s about health, safety, and the wellbeing of our communities.”
Hanover Scotland, which manages more than 4,500 homes, has been a trusted provider of housing for older adults since 1979. The organisation has been at the forefront of innovation, from pioneering sheltered accommodation to participating in urban renewal projects that promote independent living.
A new community is taking shape at the new Lovell housing development Oakwood Edge in Mayfield, with ten households, including many families, having now moved in.
The very first buyers to move to Oakwood Edge were Leah and Andrew Christie, a married couple with two young children aged 1 and 3 years old. The couple decided to move after their family expanded with the arrival of their second child, and they outgrew their previous house.
The couple from Midlothian moved into their 3-bedroom semi-detached Carnoustie housetype this summer, and the deciding factor was the 5% deposit that Lovell offered towards the house.
The new development of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes has spectacular views across to Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh and beyond to the Firth of Forth. It allows residents the opportunity to easily explore the nearby rugged peaks of the Pentland Hills.
Leah said: “It’s right on the cusp of beautiful countryside. You could walk for miles and miles. The views over Edinburgh, the Pentland hills, and Fife are stunning, and you see some amazing skies at night.”
The Carnoustie housetype has lots of storage space and a spacious lounge, where double doors connect to the bright dining space.
Leah said: “Lovell has really thought about storage and layout, which are so important to a young family. We love our kitchen; it’s the centre of our home and where we spend most of our time.
“It’s great to be able to eat and cook while still having the kids within sight in the living room. We also really love our en suite bathroom. It’s amazing having one especially when you have kids. It’s our little adult escape.”
Oakwood Edge is just ten miles from Edinburgh City Centre on the outskirts of Dalkeith, home to an array of bars, restaurants, cafes and shops. Nearby the development, there are two primary schools and a high school.
Find out more about the homes available by visiting: www.lovell.co.uk2
The number of affordable homes completions in the past year is the highest annual figure since 2000, the latest quarterly statistics show.
Almost 11,000 affordable homes were delivered in the year to end June 2023. These homes ensure further progress towards achieving the Scottish Government’s target of delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, with 70% of these for social rent and 10% in rural and island communities.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “I am pleased that the number of affordable homes completed in the latest year is the highest annual figure since 2000, supporting almost 11,000 households to have an affordable place to live.
“The combined challenges caused by a hard Brexit and economic mismanagement by the UK government have triggered various issues including the rising cost of construction supplies and workforce challenges.
“The housing sector has done incredible work to deliver homes in these circumstances and we will continue working with partners to mitigate these impacts. We are also making £3.5 billion available in this parliamentary term, towards the delivery of more affordable and social homes.
“Despite the challenges, since 2007, Scotland has seen over 40% more affordable homes delivered per head of population than in England, and over 70% more than in Wales. We have already delivered 13,354 homes towards our next target of 110,000 affordable homes in Scotland by 2032.”
Lovell Partnerships has marked the start of an exciting new housing development in Midlothian with a sod cutting ceremony.
The event took place at the Oakwood Edge site, near Dalkeith, to officially celebrate the beginning of construction at the eagerly anticipated Lovell development.
Oakwood Edge will offer a range of stunning new two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, with 39 of the homes to be provided for social use by Melville Housing Association, on the land owned by Lovell.
The new homes will make a significant contribution towards tackling the housing shortage in the local area.
Donna Bogdanovic, Chair of Melville Housing Association, officially broke the ground at the event, which was attended by staff from Lovell, Melville Housing Association, and Hardies Property and Construction Consultants.
Oakwood Edge is ideally located, close to Dalkeith, Newtongrange, and Mayfield, and will enjoy considerable local amenities, as well as easy access to Edinburgh.
A play park and an art installation will also form part of the new development, in line with Lovell Partnerships’ commitment to providing community benefits and social value where it builds.
This development will be one of the first to benefit from Lovell energy efficient homes, helping to reduce the heating and lighting bills for the Melville Housing Association residents.
Lovell thanks all its partners who joined in to mark this crucial stage at Oakwood Edge and expresses its excitement at the prospect of bringing these key homes to the area.
Sarah Freel, Head of Partnerships at Lovell, said:“Oakwood Edge is an incredibly exciting development for Lovell and our partners, so it was wonderful to see the ceremonial first shovel going into the ground on it.
“As a partnership housebuilder, we’re delighted to be working with Melville Housing Association to deliver this development. Oakwood Edge is an example of how partnership working can benefit communities and the local economy, whilst creating numerous jobs and training opportunities.
“I’d like to express our gratitude to everyone involved in this sod cutting ceremony and thank them for their continued dedication to making Oakwood Edge a great place for families to live.”
Donna Bogdanovic, Chair of Melville Housing Association, said:“It was my pleasure to take part in the sod cutting for Oakwood Edge which marks the continuation of a productive relationship between Melville and Lovell that began more than 15 years ago.
“This exciting opportunity, made possible thanks to Scottish Government funding and support from Midlothian Council, will allow us to help some of those on Midlothian’s huge social housing waiting list who are desperately waiting for a quality affordable home.
“On behalf of everyone at Melville Housing Association, I would like to say just how much we’re looking forward to following the progress of this exciting project and, when the time comes, welcoming tenants to the Oakwood Edge development.”
Developer HUB and Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”), a specialist sustainable and impact investor, have submitted plans for a residential-led development on Beaverhall Road.
The scheme will provide 205 Build to Rent homes, including 52 affordable homes, as well as creative workspace co-designed with locals and a new publicly accessible courtyard.
The proposals for Beaverhall Road will replace an existing warehouse building, with a contemporary scheme that maintains the site’s status as a hub for the local creative community, while bringing new homes to the area.
New public realm, Makers Yard, will sit at the heart of the scheme, acting as a focal point for both residents and commercial tenants, as well as neighbours. The scheme will also feature a large mural, displayed on one of the external walls.
As with all HUB and Bridges projects, people and planet are at the heart of the scheme. The new development makes efficient use of a brownfield city centre site and will deliver ‘tenure-blind’ homes for all ages, meaning all residents’ homes will be of the same high quality.
The plans exceed current Scottish sustainability regulations and include a communal air source heat pump to provide environmentally responsible heating for the entire building and a biodiverse green roof.
Designed by architects shedkm, the scheme has been developed in close collaboration with the local community and current businesses, with the ground floor creative workspace co-designed by the existing tenants.
Situated in Canonmills, the proposed development is within easy reach of the city centre, while benefiting from a sense of community created by the area’s existing amenities.
Situated within walking distance from both Stockbridge, close to the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Leith, which Time Out recently named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, the HUB and Bridges scheme will allow residents to explore the best that the city has to offer.
Tom Valente, Development Manager at HUB, said: “We are hugely excited to have submitted plans for one of our first schemes in Edinburgh.
“We were struck by the vibrancy of the creative community in the area and knew immediately that we wanted to maintain that by placing studios and maker spaces at the heart of the development.
“The mix of Build to Rent and creative workspace is one that we know works fantastically well in terms of fostering a sense of community and making places where people choose to live.”
A BRAND NEW four-bedroom townhouse on the capital’s enviable waterfront has transformed a man hailing from the west of Wales into a Leith local.
John Evans, stumbled across the Waterfront Plaza development by Cala Homes (East) when out on a walk and decided it was the best location for him to start a new chapter.
John moved to Edinburgh more than 25 years ago and has since fallen in love with Leith and everything it has to offer. He made the move to the highly desired Waterfront Plaza from his previous home in Trinity last year.
The Welshman has grown a close affinity to Leith, starting the charity LeithGives during the first lockdown with the aim of providing support to those in need during the pandemic – through local business, charity and community partnerships.
John said: “I love spending every day in the heart of Leith. I have everything I need around me and wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s so sought after for a reason.
“To now live exactly where I want to live and in the perfect home has been absolutely brilliant. I knew about Waterfront Plaza from my work on the board of the Leith Trust, however I never considered it as a potential home until I stumbled across it on a walk one day.”
November 2021 saw John make the switch from a five-bedroom Victorian house in Trinity to one of Waterfront Plaza’s modern four-bedroom townhouses. The townhouses at the development feature an expansive terrace, well designed interiors and Cala’s signature high specification and contemporary style.
One of the bedrooms in the four-bedroom property has been converted by John to a study from where he works from home and he is also in the midst of transforming his garden space into a bee-friendly area.
John says: “The home has been so easy to change and adapt to exactly what I am after. It’s been ideal to have my own study whilst the world gets used to hybrid working. I’m also keen to start my own bee-friendly garden and Cala were very helpful with all of that.
“There have been loads of other nice touches from Cala along the way. The team on site have gone above and beyond to help us transition into our new home.”
John has two sons who have also been enjoying their new home. Rhys, 21 works at the local pub, The Malt and Hops when he’s home from university and Bryn, 17, has been making full use of Leith’s transport routes to school and the city centre.
The family of three have been making the most of having Leith’s vibrant food and drink scene on their doorstep too – regularly visiting the range of local bars, cafes and restaurants.
John added: “I’m surrounded by options which makes daily life so much better. As well as great food spots like Café Domenico’s and everything Leith Shore has to offer, I’ve become a keen local of The Malt and Hops which has great music during the Leith Jazz and Blues Festival.
“It is a great feeling to be part of such a thriving, vibrant community.”
Ranging from £305,000 — £540,000, there are still a host of different home types available at Cala’s Waterfront Plaza development for homebuyers seeking both life by the water and the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Ranging from stylishly designed two and three-bedroom apartments to penthouses and spacious townhouses, Waterfront Plaza has a number of options available for homebuyers seeking a capital life in Leith.
To watch John talk about his new townhouse, click here.
To watch John talk about life at Waterfront Plaza, click here.
For more information on Waterfront Plaza please visit:
A selection of four-bedroom townhouses and a three bedroom mews home available in first release at Royal Blind School site
THE FIRST release of homes at the anticipated redevelopment of Edinburgh’s former Royal Blind School and Braille Press will launch to market this weekend (26th of February).
Launching from its existing Cammo Meadows development, Cala Homes (East) has confirmed that the first release of four bedroom townhouses along with a three bedroom mews home – will be available for interested buyers, with prices ranging from £810,000 to £849,995.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s popular Newington area, Newington Residences by Cala Homes (East) will comprise a modern reimagining of the striking original school building into 21 apartments and a further mix of new build townhouses.
Regarded as one of south Edinburgh’s best-known buildings, the original school building dates back to 1874 and has been left vacant since 2014 after pupils were relocated to a new facility.
Cala will take it back to its former glory – removing extensions and outbuildings to revitalise its surrounds.
Building on the success of its award-winning conversion of the nearby former Boroughmuir High School, the developer will refurbish the historic main building into a selection of 21 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with selection of new build townhouses a mews home and the fully refurbished gate house also featuring within the school’s attractive landscaped grounds.
Philip Hogg, Sales Director for CALA Homes (East), said: “This is a really exciting development for us, in one of Edinburgh’s most desirable postcodes.
“There’ll be a great mix of homes likely to appeal to a broad range of discerning buyers looking for high specification finishes and a tranquil location within easy reach of the city centre and the amenities Edinburgh has to offer.
“We believe the attractive renovation at the heart will give the development real character and charm, while preserving a historic local landmark.”
The development, within the Craigmillar Park conservation area has been carefully designed to respect the surrounding area, with new build homes boasting beautiful sandstone detail in keeping with local architecture and facades of the main building.
Townhouses will range from 1600 to more than 2700 square feet, with a mix of semi-detached and terraced properties.
Sporting ceiling heights of up to 3.4 metres and many with views of Edinburgh castle and the city skyline, the apartments will see the creation of modern open-plan homes, maximising the features of the existing building, whilst delivering contemporary design, high specification and convenience with the addition of lift access to upper floors.
The first buyers are planned to move in from summer 2022, with show homes launching in April.
For more information on Newington Residences – and to register your interest – visit:
Environmentally-minded buyers can save thousands with new green deals being offered by housebuilder
Barratt Developments Scotland is leading the way in delivering eco-friendly homes to buyers in Scotland, and is well on its way to meeting top energy efficiency standards set out by the Scottish Government.
Latest research by the UK’s largest housebuilder, which owns Barratt and David Wilson homes, shows that all of Barratt’s new homes (100 per cent) are built to a minimum EPC rating of B or above.
This puts Barratt ahead of schedule in meeting the Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings Strategy, which sets housebuilders an ambitious target to achieve a good standard of energy efficiency, and by 2033 to meet at least an EPC band C standard.
All new homes are given an EPC rating between A and G, with A being the most energy efficient in terms of likely fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions, but there are currently no legal requirements on a minimum EPC rating for new build homes.
The housebuilder has also announced a new partnership with Halifax bank that now offers green mortgages to environmentally-minded buyers, which means that those purchasing Barratt’s energy-efficient homes could be offered a larger loan with lower interest rates as a consequence of their smaller anticipated energy bills.
Doug McLeod, regional managing director for Barratt Developments in Scotland, believes newly-built properties’ eco credentials could soon be the ultimate selling point for homeowners, in particular first-time buyers struggling to get on the property market. He said: “A new generation of homebuyers could find new homes with green credentials as their only affordable option.
“We know that energy spending can be a major household outgoing and a big part of the consideration when buying a new home. Environmental considerations are also becoming increasingly important for home buyers as we search for ways to create a net zero carbon emission society, and at Barratt Homes we are committed to playing our part by enabling our customers to make greener choices when it comes to buying a new house.
“The affordability of some of the green mortgage deals, combined with the energy efficiency and cheaper running costs of new build homes, are already leading to more and more first-time buyers taking the new build route into home ownership.”
It’s not the first time Barratt has taken a lead for the housebuilding industry.
Last month, Barratt launched a unique flagship zero carbon home concept called the Z House that will be occupied and monitored to assess its performance. And last year, the company announced its commitment to reduce direct carbon emissions by 29 per cent by 2025 and to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in its own operations by 2040.
The winner of Sustainable House Builder of the Year, Barratt will also cut its indirect carbon emissions (those coming from its homes and from its supply chain) by 24 per cent per square metre by 2030. Building lower carbon homes and using more sustainable materials will be a key part of achieving this target.
It will also deliver new zero carbon standard house types from 2030 and ensure that 100 per cent of the electricity that it purchases will be renewable by 2025.
As the country’s largest housebuilder, Doug McLeod, says they have a major role to play in looking after the environment in a sustainable way for future generations, whilst also delivering the homes this country urgently needs.
All new Barratt homes are up to 57 per cent cheaper to run, meaning homeowners could save up to £1,410 on their bills each year compared to an updated Victorian equivalent property.
They come with features such as modern double glazing fitted with argon gas that is designed to capture the sunlight and flood rooms with light, as well as smart technologies which include solar panels, highly efficient boilers, heat recovery, and increased insulation in walls, floors and roofs to make sure that draughts won’t cause winter chills.
David Balfour, account director at New Homes Mortgage Scotland,said: “We are increasingly hearing from our customers that they’re interested in purchasing an energy efficient home as they prioritise environmentally-friendly lifestyles.
“Green mortgages are most commonly available on new build homes where homebuyers could benefit from cheaper rates and cashback incentives.
“Eligibility for many of the green mortgage deals is linked to the property’s EPC rating – for example, it might need to be A or B. A large proportion of the UK’s housing stock is old. This is one reason why more and more homeowners and first-time buyers are choosing new build properties that are sold with excellent EPC ratings of B and above.”
Reducing carbon emissions and having the top energy efficiency ratings in new build homes isn’t the only way Barratt is helping to save the planet. They are also making wildlife-friendly places to live through their partnership with RSPB, the country’s largest nature conservation charity.
By 2023 Barratt will further prioritise wildlife on all new developments by creating dedicated spaces for local biodiversity conservation, installing a range of wildlife-friendly features including hedgehog hideaways and swift nesting sites. Beyond 2023 their goal is to have at least 10 per cent more wildlife habitats in and around developments, delivering a clear biodiversity net gain across the country.
Green mortgage case study (Edinburgh)
Graeme Pearson, aged 37, has swapped his draughty Victorian tenement flat with old timber sash and case windows and extremely high ceilings for a three-bed end terrace Barratt home in Edinburgh. He moved in with his partner in November 2021 and is looking forward to a more energy efficient and quick heating home with lower fuel bills.
Graeme, who has benefited from a green mortgage deal with a lower interest rate and cash back deal through Barratt’s partnership with Halifax, said: “My last home was an old Victorian tenement flat that was almost impossible to heat and had draughts everywhere.
“It could be bitterly cold in the winter so my partner and I are very much looking forward to our brand new Barratt home that has plenty of eco credentials to shout about, from below slab insulation to efficient uPVC windows. I also opted for the installation of a convection hob as I believe moving away from gas cooking is an important step towards future sustainability, and we have solar panels on the roof.
“I might consider installing an EV charging point in the future and running a cable across the footway to an adjacent parking space.”
For more information on Barratt’s eco-friendly homes, visit
Chris Preston and Fiona Ingleby had been living in London, working in the City while enjoying their weekends being active outdoors.
The frustrations of an older property and staying in a busy area eventually got to them, so to be closer to nature, the couple decided to move to Fiona’s home country, Scotland, choosing Barratt’s Preston Square development near Edinburgh.
Fiona said: “Our first house in London wasn’t right for us. It was quite old, so there always seemed to be something that needed to be fixed and the area surrounding it became very built up and busy.
“We soon decided we wanted to live somewhere nearer to open space that we could enjoy. We did quite a lot of research online and chose Edinburgh, as it ticked those boxes, allowing us to continue our careers and be closer to family.”
“Preston Square was in the ideal location and perfectly positioned, with green space on one side of it, and commuter, bus and train links to Edinburgh on the other. We also liked that it was quite small, but with considered green spaces and well-sized gardens,” said Chris.
However, with Covid-19 travel restrictions in place, there was little chance for Chris and Fiona to view the property in person.
“Our buying process was a bit unusual. Due to travel restrictions, as well as living in London and buying in Scotland, it meant we couldn’t view the development in person.”
“Despite this, Zoe, the sales advisor met with us on a video call, and walked us through the development, showing us the estate and the plot we were interested in. She also sent through extra plans and photos, as well as arranging for physical samples of carpet to reach us.
“The sales and marketing team really made everything possible – Zoe was so helpful and gave us the confidence to go through with the purchase in the middle of the pandemic,” added Fiona.
Chris and Fiona chose a ‘Fenton’ house-type at Preston Square, a four-bedroom detached home, first visiting it on completion day. The home’s open-plan fitted kitchen and dining area provide access to the rear garden, benefitting from a separate utility room and downstairs WC. The Fenton also comes with an integral garage providing added convenience and security.
Fiona said: “Despite the unusual viewing and purchasing process, our experience of buying with Barratt was very different to the stress of when we bought our first house, which involved a lot of uncertainty of bidding through an estate agent.
“We’d recommend buying with Barratt to anyone. The house is a perfect blank canvas – everything is neatly but neutrally finished, easy enough to personalise it and make it feel like home very quickly. It’s also great to have solar panels allowing us to be more environmentally friendly.”
When asked if they had any plans now they had more room, the couple said: “We’re in the process of setting up one of the bedrooms as an office. It’s lovely to have the space to be able to do this properly now as it used to be very difficult not to be able to keep home working separate from everything else.
“We’re also thinking about getting a dog but not quite there yet. We’ve always wanted one, but before we felt like we didn’t have enough space or good enough walks nearby to be able to care for one properly – we’re in a much better position now.”
Preston Square is now sold out but Barratt East Scotland continues to offer several developments close to Edinburgh including, Barratt @ St Clements Wells, St Clements View, Yew Gardens and The Strand @ Portobello.
All feature easy commuting links to Edinburgh city centre and a range of local amenities, with sales centres and show homes open by appointment.
