A new affordable housing development in Edinburgh by Places for People has been praised by judges of the prestigious Saltire Housing Design Awards.

The 49 affordable flats, built on a brownfield urban site on Mitchell Street in Leith, were designed to complement the local area and existing street pattern.

The Saltire Housing Design Awards recognise the leading high quality housing developments in Scotland, particularly those that can be adapted to suit changes in lifestyle and housing need.

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The judges had particular praise for the rear garden area, designed to incorporate the requirements of sustainable city living. In addition to landscaped green space, a children’s play area and private gardens for ground floor flats, there are cycle sheds, clothes drying areas and storage for recycling waste.

The flats are all designed to 'Housing for Varying Needs' standards, which ensure that the homes can be adapted to peoples’ changing needs over time. They include several family-sized properties as well as flats designed for wheelchair users and for older or disabled people.

Colin Rae, Project Director at Places for People, said: "We are thrilled that our Mitchell Street development has received this recognition. We have successfully delivered affordable housing without sacrificing quality or design. This has made a massive difference to the quality of people’s lives, and that of the surrounding neighbourhood."

(GK/KMcA)