As part of the recent housing developments in the area north west of Deanburn, the masterplan for this area identified the site lying north of Rullion Road for affordable housing. In collaboration with Midlothian Council a brief for affordable housing was developed to fit the site and the Council’s housing demand.
The project aims to deliver 46 new homes, all for Social Rent, which will be retained and managed by the Council. The development provides a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom flats and houses, carefully designed to respond directly to the identified local housing need.
The existing site is open grassed hillside and the significant slope of around 1 in 10 presented a key challenge to the layout and creating accessibility across the site. The development looks to connect into the surrounding residential area, connecting streets and footpaths to improve permeability, accessibility, and community integration for both new and existing residents.
Two new residential streets are formed which work with the site contours and provide new homes and streets along similar lines to the surrounding developments. The site connects east to an existing play park, and west, we propose new open space with planting, paths and an orchard up to Silurian Road.
Homes are arranged to enjoy views out towards green space and trees, with well‑proportioned windows providing high levels of daylight and outlook. Passive surveillance has been a key consideration throughout, supported by input from the Police ALO to enhance all aspects of neighbourhood safety.
Accessibility is integral to the development and includes:
The landscape strategy includes new tree planting, wildflower meadows, and varied planting including an orchard, helping strengthen habitats for mammals and pollinators while creating high‑quality outdoor spaces for residents.
All homes will be constructed to high‑performance standards, with significant use of modern 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, incorporating photovoltaic panels, air‑source heat pumps, and exhaust‑air technologies, with no reliance on mains gas.
