City's biggest low-cost housing project sets up home by the sea

Published on Monday 24 December 2007 09:44

EDINBURGH'S biggest affordable housing project will see a six-storey block of flats built on the city's waterfront.

The project cleared its first hurdle last week when councillors approved plans for more than 100 new homes for families and first-time buyers.

Another six-storey block of more than 130 flats on the site at Newhaven is due to go before the planning committee early next year.

Together, the two bids will create the city's single largest affordable housing estate.

Housing campaigners today welcomed the news and community leaders said the need for housing outweighed their concerns over new tower blocks.

Edinburgh is facing a housing crisis, with an estimated 12,000 new affordable homes needed over the next decade to meet existing demand and the growing population.

The development, by the Port of Leith Housing Association, will transform a piece of derelict land on Newhaven Place. It is part of the redevelopment of the Western Harbour, which includes several large blocks of private apartments.

Graham Chapman, chair of Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council, said: "When I saw the height of it I was a little concerned, but the fact Port of Leith is behind it and it's an affordable housing project means it can't be bad.

"It's not like when blocks of flats were built in the 70s and quickly fell into disrepair. I think these are better quality and people are generally more proud of their homes and the areas in which they live nowadays and I think this will be a positive thing for Leith."

Leith councillor Gordon Munro said the latest project would be a vital addition to the area's housing stock.

"This is what Leith needs and wants," he said, adding that it was also "part of the answer" to the city's affordable housing shortage. "This proves the success of the affordable housing policy," he said.

"The committee was very impressed by the application in its design and purpose."

The development of 102 flats was approved last week, a decision likely to set a precedent for the subsequent 132 flat application.

Cllr Munro added: "You can't tell the difference between Port of Leith developments and some of the private ones down there.

"In fact the Port of Leith ones are probably better."

Many of the new flats will have a balcony or garden, and some will have wheelchair access.

Two objections were received on the grounds that the development did not contain any private housing and would therefore bring down the market value of surrounding properties. The complaints also concerned potential noise and pollution issues.

WEB LINK Port of Leith Housing Association website