Watkin Jones has received approval from Scottish Ministers for its large-scale residential scheme with mixed tenures in Edinburgh. The development, situated in Chesser, to the west of the city centre, will deliver approximately 800 new units, directly addressing the city's housing shortage.

The development mix includes 100 new affordable homes, 293 build-to-rent (BTR) homes, and 406 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) bedrooms.

The scheme had previously been approved by the City of Edinburgh Council's Development Management Sub-Committee in December 2022, but was 'called in' by the Scottish Government in February 2023 for a ministerial review focusing on noise-related concerns. Scottish Ministers have now given final approval after determining the concerns were unfounded, subject to additional planning conditions.

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The development is set to help meet Edinburgh's significant housing need, which requires the delivery of more than 36,750 homes over the next decade and 20,000 affordable homes before 2027.

Iain Smith, Planning Director at Watkin Jones, commented: "Securing approval from Scottish Ministers for this landmark regeneration project in Chesser is another step in addressing the city's housing shortage. Following the Scottish Government's declaration of a national housing emergency in 2024, our new development helps to address Edinburgh's housing needs across several tenures."

The site contains several listed structures from a former early twentieth-century agricultural market. The development plan ensures the retention and refurbishment of the most important elements of these historic buildings around a publicly accessible 'Heritage Square,' securing public access for years to come.

The design maximises sustainability, incorporating air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, and is targeting a BREEAM rating of 'Excellent'. Watkin Jones is currently in discussions with a local registered provider to manage the affordable housing component once the project is complete. The location is highly accessible, situated only five minutes' walk from Slateford train station.