House building in Edinburgh could reach a 40-year high after plans were unveiled to erect 16,000 affordable homes over the next ten years.

According to the Scotsman, the master plan – which outlines Edinburgh Council's strategy to increase development and encourage investment – is to be discussed next Tuesday.

The ambitious plans also aim to create up to 20,000 construction jobs, with 2,000 traineeships.

An investment of around £2bn is required to hit the 16,000 home target which would see around 4,000 council properties added to the local authority's housing stock.

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The plans include:

• Making better use of council-owned land for housing

• Increasing private and public sector investment

• Employing new investment from pension funds and public sector bodies

• Using Scottish Government capital subsidy to maximise loan investment

It is understood suburbs earmarked for potential house building include Craigmillar and north Edinburgh.

Funding would be generated from sources including Scottish Government grants, estimated at £250m, council borrowing and private finance.

Councillor Cammy Day said: "Council money will be used towards the building of the 4000 affordable homes and also to encourage developers to take part in the construction of the rest of the new properties.

"Many developers are unwilling to take risks in the current financial climate, but when they see we are taking the lead they are more likely to be encouraged to come on board."

(JP/H)