Plans have been unveiled to increase the rate of housebuilding in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region (ESECR).

The proposal has been created by regional planning authority SESplan and sets outs how the region should grow over the next two decades.

Features include improving the rate of housebuilding by a third to meet the needs on an increasing population, particularly in and around Edinburgh. In addition, 40% of these new homes will be made 'affordable' to help deliver the Scottish Government's 50,000 'affordable' homes target this parliament.

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The plan also sets out key strategic infrastructure projects to support growth plans include road, rail and tram improvements, as well as proposals for an improved regional walking and cycling network. 'Green infrastructure', such as wildlife habitats and open spaces, will also be protected.

Cllr Stuart Bell said: "This document is the result of the six councils in the area working closely together to plan a better long-term future for the region, where growth is directed to the right places.

"The recent announcement that a City Region Deal for our region will be developed jointly by the councils in the region, in partnership with Scottish and UK Governments, means that some of the infrastructure which is needed to support this growth, and which is identified in the SESPlan, can potentially be delivered sooner rather than later."

(LM)