350,000 Scottish tenants could be at risk of losing their homes as 90 percent of landlords say they will sell their rental properties if rising costs lead to them making a loss, according to a letting agent. Continue reading Scottish tenants risk losing homes as landlords feel pressure of new laws
The UK is often accused of having a ‘not in my back yard’ mentality, with research[1] by AXA showing that two thirds of respondents believe people are guilty of the ‘NIMBY’ effect. However, further investigation revealed that almost a third also understand that new developments have to happen where they live in order to keep up with demand. Continue reading UK turns away from ‘not in my back yard’ thinking
An ambitious 94 affordable homes project, which is creating a new community at Edinburgh’s Leith Fort, has been shortlisted for a trio of awards.
The £11.5 million housing development which is co-owned by Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) is in the running for the forthcoming RICS, RIAS and Homes for Scotland awards which will take place later this year.
The homes are built on the former 18th century Leith Fort site and welcomed residents last year.
Sixty two of the colony style properties are owned by PoLHA for mid-market rent, with 32 units owned by the City of Edinburgh Council for social rent.
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of Port of Leith Housing Association, said:“We’re thrilled to have helped to restore this area to its former glory and to have created a neighbourhood where people want to live and to set down their roots.
“We are very proud of this successful modern interpretation of the Edinburgh colonies which has brought much needed high quality, affordable housing for families in Leith and North Edinburgh. We’re delighted it has been shortlisted for three industry awards, providing great recognition for us and our partners.”
The new properties have been modelled on the Edinburgh colonies concept and are a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes. A feature of this development is that all homes have access to private south west facing gardens.
The main contractor was CCG (Scotland) Ltd and the development was funded by PoLHA, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government.
Cllr Kate Campbell, Housing and Economy Convener, said: “The Council and Port of Leith set out to deliver modern, affordable homes on the historic Leith Fort site but the development has created so much more than housing.
“It has community spirit right at its heart and it is great to see so many award nominations coming in. Our aim is to deliver 20,000 affordable and low cost homes in the next decade bringing prosperity to every person in every neighbourhood.”
Nicola McLachlan, Project Architect, Collective Architecture, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Port of Leith Housing Association, The City of Edinburgh Council and the local residents within Leith. The project heralds an exciting time in Leith’s rich history and plays an important role in stitching the Fort back into the community – both physically and socially – and encourages positive interaction between neighbours.
“It is wonderful to see that the residents are already making their own mark within the community and flourishing within their new homes.
“I am delighted to see how well the restrained palette of materials and careful detailing sits calmly within its context. Everyone involved with the project has worked collaboratively with the client group to ensure these homes stand the test of time; their skills and experience shine through within the project.”
The Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme will be extended beyond 2019, helping more people purchase a new-build home without the need for a large deposit. From April 2019, a further £100 million will be invested over two years, helping up to 4,000 households to purchase a new home. Continue reading Government extends Help to Buy scheme
A former brewery complex in Fountainbridge is to be developed by the city council. The council says the project will deliver a vibrant city quarter including over 400 new homes, as well as quality office space which will promote innovation and a small element of retail. Work to prepare the site is set to commence early next year, with the site expected to be fully developed by 2025.
Continue reading Council unveils Fountainbridge development plans
North Edinburgh trio go the extra mile to support their neighbours
Neighbours who go that extra mile have been thanked at the City of Edinburgh Council’s second Good Neighbour Awards for their commitment to making the lives of their neighbours better and improving their local community. Continue reading North Edinburgh’s good neighbours commended at awards ceremony
Living Rent Edinburgh
Come along and learn how we help our members fight to get their problems taken care of. People often think that nothing can be done about the often terrible conditions they find themselves in, we want to help people realize they can. By taking matters into their own hands and collectively organizing, we can make changes happen. This workshop is a place to practice doing just that.
Today 2 – 5pm at PCA Office on Ferry Road Drive
Students from Edinburgh Napier have teamed up with colleagues from America’s elite Harvard University to explore the challenge of creating the sustainable communities of the future. The two groups joined forces for a learning week which focused on the use of pre-manufactured timber construction systems. Continue reading Branching Out: transatlantic taskforce seeks timber design solutions
Andy Wightman MSP, Housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said yesterday’s statistics show the need for a rethink of government policies in order to tackle Scotland’s housing crisis. Continue reading Wightman calls for rethink to tackle housing crisis
New recommendations to ensure the commitment to eradicate rough sleeping is met have been set out by the Scottish Government’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group. The recommendations have all been accepted in principle by the Scottish Government, and build on the group’s earlier advice to tackle rough sleeping over the winter period.
The measures include a national system of rapid rehousing, involving integrated support from frontline outreach services and local authorities. This will include moving to a ‘Housing First’ model for those with most complex needs – where people move straight into a permanent, settled home rather than temporary accommodation.
In December, £328,000 was invested to support additional capacity for night shelters and extra staff to help get more people into accommodation over winter. The Scottish Government will now provide a further £150,000 to continue to provide some services to the summer, while the latest recommendations are taken forward.
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “As we come out of a particularly bad winter period, the action group’s work so far has been vital in ensuring front-line staff are supported and that people are helped to move into safe and warm places to stay. Additional funding will allow the work that has taken place in our main cities to continue while we take the group’s hard work forward.
“I was extremely impressed by the fast and effective work of organisations supporting those sleeping rough during last week’s unprecedented and extreme winter weather and want to thank everyone involved for the work and commitment they have shown. It is now important that we build on this good work and these latest recommendations provide a blueprint to do that and reach our national priority to eradicate rough sleeping for good.
“The group’s recommendations focus on improving advice and support for those sleeping rough, and ensuring that housing, funding and services are directed at those who need them most.
“They will play a vital role in meeting our commitment to end homelessness and transform temporary accommodation, backed by our £50 million fund – which is why we have accepted them all in principle, and will now work closely with partners to implement.”
Action group chair and chief executive of Crisis UK, Jon Sparkes said: “Nobody in Scotland should have to endure the danger and indignity of sleeping rough, and these recommendations show what is needed to prevent people from being forced to live on the streets.
These include providing immediate access to permanent housing for people who are sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness, such as people leaving a state institution, such as care or prison, and giving frontline staff the power to make informed decisions based on the needs of each individual.
“The members of the action group have gone above and beyond to dedicate themselves to bringing forward the right recommendations that will have the biggest impact on the way people sleeping rough can access and receive services. The group members have engaged colleagues across the sector, reviewed international evidence on what works, and listened to people from across the country who have experience of homelessness.
“We can end rough sleeping in Scotland. Other countries and cities around the world have done it, so we know it’s possible. With the right political will and momentum, we can make this a reality in Scotland too.”
The full recommendations of the group are available online.
