£10 million homes scheme to breathe life into derelict plot

EIGHTY new homes are set to be built as part of a £10 million investment in the Broughton area.

Springfield Properties says the development at Beaverhall Road will transform a derelict patch of land into a new mixed-use area comprising five townhouses and 75 apartments, including a large number of “mid-market rent and affordable homes”.

The plans also include 2000 square feet of business space and it is anticipated that the development will create 100 jobs during the construction phase.

Springfield’s application has been recommended for approval by council officers, with councillors set to make a decision next Wednesday.

The developer hopes to start demolition work on the remaining buildings this year in order to prepare the site and enable building work to start early next year.

Chairman of Springfield, Sandy Adam, said: “We have worked closely with the architects of the initial Powderhall Village development, Yeoman McAllister, to ensure that the homes we provide for the area fit perfectly with their neighbours. We will invest £10m in bringing the land up to scratch.”

However, New Town and Broughton Community Council previously expressed concerns about a loop road running throughout the site, which it said was “not good practice in a residential area where traffic speed can put children at risk”.

The council’s head of planning, John Bury, said the main concerns of the community council have since been addressed.

Springfield Properties plans to partner with Dunedin Canmore Housing Association to deliver 41 affordable two-bedroom apartments.

Mr Adam said: “We can add to Edinburgh’s much depleted affordable housing stocks. The Resonance funding model enables us to deliver affordable homes for mid-market rental without the need for capital subsidy from government.”

If the planning application is granted, the development will consist of four blocks of two and three-bedroom private apartments. The single block of five, four-bedroom townhouses would be the first to be built, with homeowners possibly moving in as early as late 2013.

Mr Adam added: “These properties will not only be a welcome addition to the housing market, but will breathe new life into this popular area.”

It is recommended that the committee approves the application subject to conditions, including a site survey prior to work starting.