Latest residential development plot launched at Blindwells

A new residential development opportunity has been launched at Blindwells, the East Lothian scheme which is on course to deliver a community of 1,600 homes as well as employment land and a new town centre

Plot 4a is being marketed by the Edinburgh office of JLL on behalf of Blindwells’ creator, Hargreaves Land.

Planning permission in principle has been granted for residential purposes on the 7.2 acre site and a development of c.140 properties is proposed. Adjacent to a plot earmarked for business use, as well as what will become the new town centre, plot 4a lies in a raised area with views over the Firth of Forth, making it a highly appealing opportunity for the right development partner.

A number of other housebuilders are already on site and the first Blindwells residents moved in at the start of the year. Bellway is in the process of completing 146 homes and Cruden is due to finish the final phase of 60 affordable homes later this summer for East Lothian Council. Ogilvie Homes is expected to commence construction of 77 properties before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, work by Persimmon Homes is progressing towards the creation of 197 homes including 30 which will be classified affordable.

The new opportunity follows three planning approvals by East Lothian Council Planning Committee in June, allowing Hargreaves Land to press ahead and progress major parts of the site infrastructure.

Once complete, the town centre, which will feature a car-free high street with shops, cafes and a supermarket, will provide a 21st century quality of life with modern touches flanked by open areas of natural beauty, including Princes Loch and community green space.

Jonathan Graham, development surveyor at Hargreaves Land said: “Our vision for Blindwells is rapidly taking shape and we’re excited to be looking for a housebuilder to bring yet another plot to life.

“The indicative layout earmarked for this plot has a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses, plus two apartment blocks, and we expect a lot of interest.”

Jason Hogg, director at JLL, added: “Less than 15 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley station, Blindwells will further add to the excellent quality of life already on offer in East Lothian, with outstanding beaches, coastal towns and villages, walking routes, world class golf courses and restaurants all within easy reach.

“Crucial to its creation are the many respected construction partners involved in giving the scheme a varied selection of house types, all offering an impeccable standard of living, and we look forward to talking to interested parties in the weeks ahead in regard to this latest plot.”

Scottish government consults on streamlining planning processes

Consultation proposes changes to boost economy and help net zero transition

As part of its Permitted Development Rights review, the Scottish Government is consulting on measures that would save applicants the time and expense of applying for planning permission for some types of development.

Consultation proposals include:                                                              

  • outdoor restaurant seating could be permitted without a planning application under new proposals to support the hospitality industry
  • relaxing the need to seek planning permission for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in car parks or at filling stations
  • allowing a wider variety of changes of use for premises in city, town and local centres to promote more rapid adaption to changing circumstances
  • permitting conversion of buildings to small workspaces to support local innovation and entrepreneurship as part of the national strategy to transform the economy

Planning Minister Tom Arthur said: “The pandemic has highlighted that use of outdoor spaces can help bolster our hospitality industry and make city, town and local centres feel more welcoming and vibrant. I encourage local businesses and communities to submit their views on these proposals to relax planning requirements.

“Extending permitted development rights to make changes in use easier will help to deliver our entrepreneurship ambitions by creating enterprising communities, as set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

“Proposals to support the extension of the charging network reflect the significant growth in electric vehicle ownership forecasted for the coming years and the vital role of electric vehicle owners in helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045.”

UKHospitality Scotland Executive Director Leon Thompson said: “Over the course of the pandemic hospitality businesses made great use of outdoor space, allowing them to trade whilst keeping customers and workers safe. 

“Outdoor seating is extremely popular with guests and these often imaginative and creative spaces continue to be used extensively.

“UKHospitality Scotland is pleased that the Scottish Government has listened to our calls and is putting forward plans to relax planning requirements. This will save businesses time and money, whilst adding to the vibrancy of our towns and cities. This move will also help to boost local economies and create jobs.”

Read the Permitted Development Review consultation.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks.

Planning permission secured for redevelopment of Edinburgh One

  • Permission granted for 88,000 sqft of Grade A offices in Edinburgh city centre
  • Joint agents JLL and Dobson Scotland support Edinburgh-based developers on new project
  • The development is set to be the Capital’s first targeted net zero office scheme

Odysseus Capital Management has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of Edinburgh One, 60 Morrison Street.

The Edinburgh-based developers and asset managers will deliver the 88,000 sqft Grade A offices over seven floors in what was the former Scottish Widows Investment Partnership’s headquarters.

The building, which is due for completion by the third quarter of 2023, is anticipated to be the first targeted net zero carbon office scheme in Edinburgh city centre.

Richard Edlmann, managing director of Odysseus Capital Management, said: “We are excited to be delivering this exemplar development, which will be one of the first post-COP 26 designed office buildings in Edinburgh city centre.

“Architect CDA’s design creates a new generous double height reception, while adding two further floors and a unique roof terrace with stunning views of the Castle. Edinburgh One is targeted to be net zero carbon, incorporating significant carbon embodiment along with core principles of Circular Development.”

JLL and Dobson Scotland are the joint letting agents on the redevelopment of Edinburgh One, while Montagu Evans advised Odysseus on planning.

Cameron Stott, lead director at JLL in Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh One will be delivered at a time when there’s a predicted critical shortage of grade A offices in the city centre.

“The design and specification of the redevelopment has been future proofed to attract corporate and public sector organisations that have ambitious targets to become net zero by 2030. We believe Edinburgh One will attract financial, corporate and technology companies who value sustainability as part of their agenda.”

Keith Dobson, managing director of Dobson Scotland, added: “Odysseus is targeting the highest ESG credentials including BREEAM Excellent and EPC A whilst achieving a net zero carbon building in operation through utilising fully electric power.”

Underbelly applies for planning permission for Winter events

Underbelly, the producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, have officially submitted planning applications for the Capital’s 2021 Winter Festival.

The new application includes complimentary additions to the already granted planning application for Edinburgh’s Christmas at East Princes Street Gardens and The Mound. The updated 2021 application also incorporates West Princes Street Gardens and George Street into the festive mix.

This year, 62 trading stalls and four attractions will pop up in East Princes Street Gardens. The Big Wheel, which has become a firm favourite in Edinburgh’s festive skyline, will also make an appearance in the east end of the city.

Additionally, at the west end, revellers can expect to see a further 15 stall concessions and 11 attractions including the Christmas Tree Maze and a Santa’s Grotto.

For the first time since 2018, Underbelly is seeking permission to reinstate a firm favourite to the Christmas programme, an ice rink. The magical ice rink will have a brand-new location at the westerly end of George Street between Charlotte Square and Castle Street.

Underbelly is meticulously planning Edinburgh’s Christmas with Covid-19 in mind and is dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment for the 2021 Christmas celebrations. Working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Essential Edinburgh, Underbelly has taken on board feedback from previous years to create an unmissable festive programme.

Boosting domestic tourism and reinvigorating Princes Street and the surrounding areas, Edinburgh’s Christmas is designed to support economic recovery in the city centre, driving footfall to the wider city centre area, and to bring some much needed cheer and happiness to both residents and visitors to Edinburgh.

More information on the programme and what can be expected for this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas will be announced shortly. Please make sure that you are signed up to the mailing list via the Edinburgh’s Christmas website.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “The Underbelly team has been working tirelessly to create a bespoke Edinburgh’s Christmas programme that not only provides unforgettable memories and experiences, but also makes visitors feel safe and at ease at all times.

“It’s been a very challenging couple of years for everyone but our proposed plans for Christmas are designed not only to support economic recovery in the city centre, driving footfall to both the East and the West end of the City, but to also bring some much needed cheer and happiness to both residents and visitors.”

Revised plans submitted for Granton marina

Plans submitted for revised infrastructure layout at Edinburgh Marina (Granton Harbour) in ‘significant change to the masterplan’, says The Cockburn Association, Edinburgh’s civic trust.

You can view and comment here on the Planning Portal: https://bit.ly/3nh8n8T

The last date for comments is 5th February 2021

New Filmhouse: Planning Application submitted

Following an extensive and successful public consultation process which ran for 4 months following its launch in March 2020, Centre for the Moving Image (CMI) has submitted the full Planning Application for the proposed New Filmhouse in Festival Square to the city council’s planning department.