An existing site in the south of Edinburgh at Burdiehouse was identified by the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) for affordable housing. The project was originally tested through the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator scheme and aimed to deliver 38 much needed affordable homes to help address the housing crisis declared by CEC in November 2023. The approved proposals will deliver 49 new homes for social rent and mid-market rent, all retained and managed by CEC. The development provides a range of one to three bedroom homes, comprising a mix of flats and houses, in direct response to identified housing demand.
The site comprised a combination of open space and brownfield land. The brownfield area was previously occupied by a community centre, which has since been demolished, with the new Valley Park community centre delivered just off site. The remaining open space was underused and enclosed by fencing. A key challenge was to retain as much open space as possible, while improving its quality and usability for both new residents and the wider community.
The proposals form a new crescent shaped development addressing Burdiehouse Crescent, centred around a shared pocket park that acts as a focal point for the community.
Early pre application engagement with the CEC Planning team led to constructive design development, including the introduction of a new “colonies” typology. This approach allows homes to address both the internal park and the adjacent nature reserve. Sustainable urban drainage requirements are fully met on site. The central park incorporates new play features and a variety of green spaces, carefully designed and landscaped by SLR Landscape. All homes are designed to enjoy views of green space, with well proportioned windows providing high levels of daylight and outlook. Passive surveillance has been a key consideration, with input from the Police Architectural Liaison Officer to enhance neighbourhood safety.
Accessibility is integral to the development, including:
• Four wheelchair accessible homes
• Dedicated disabled parking spaces
• Level access to all properties
The scheme prioritises walking and cycling, with reduced car parking in line with CEC policy to support lower car dependency. New pedestrian footpath connections integrate the site with the surrounding neighbourhood, improving accessibility and permeability. A successful community engagement event was held at the Valley Park community centre prior to submission of the planning application.
In collaboration with CEC landscape and ecology officers, the proposals extend and connect landscape improvements to the adjacent nature reserve, enhancing biodiversity and creating opportunities for wildlife. New trees, wildflower meadows, and varied planting will create and strengthen habitats for mammals and pollinators.
The layout has been developed in accordance with the six qualities of successful places set out in NPF4 Policy 14: Healthy, Pleasant, Connected, Distinctive, Sustainable, and Adaptable.
All homes will be constructed to high performance standards, with significant use of off site manufactured closed panel systems. This approach improves thermal efficiency, reduces on site waste, shortens construction times, and supports earlier delivery. The development will be Net Zero, utilising photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps and exhaust air technologies, with no reliance on mains gas.
The City of Edinburgh Council is a founding partner of the South East Regional Delivery Alliance (SE-RDA), bringing together local authorities, Registered Social Landlords and industry partners to deliver new affordable homes through collaboration. Smith Scott Mullan and CCG (Scotland) Ltd have been involved from an early stage and are working on several projects as part of this programme.
Further information is available at:
www.se-rda.org.uk
