A new prospectus has been published for the Blindwells Development Area, identifying the site as the largest of seven strategic locations within the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal (ESES Deal).

The document outlines a vision for a well-connected, net-zero settlement designed to address national housing demand through "at pace" delivery.

Over the next three decades, Blindwells is projected to deliver more than 10,000 new homes, including a minimum of 2,500 affordable properties. The development will feature a dedicated town centre, commercial zones, and employment opportunities, potentially increasing the population of East Lothian by approximately 25%.

The publication follows the approval of a Strategic Outline Business Case in June 2025. Since then, the Scottish Government has designated the project a strategic ambition within its Housing Emergency Action Plan. To facilitate the next phase, the Scottish Government has confirmed £2.4 million in flexible funding to assist East Lothian Council in developing an Outline Business Case.

Council Leader Norman Hampshire commented: "East Lothian is one of Scotland's smallest local authorities with one of the lowest levels of revenue support grant nationally, but we are also one of the fastest growing areas in Scotland."

-- Advertisement --

He added: "All of this means that to deliver the essential infrastructure required to enable Blindwells to reach its full potential as an influential, innovative, healthy and net zero place that will be of national importance, we must leverage our position as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal to gain the financial support that it can provide, plus attracting a large amount of private and public sector investment well into the future. The publication of this prospectus is an important step in this project and allows anyone with an interest to see at a glance the benefits it could deliver to our local communities and nationally."

The project emphasises an "infrastructure-first" approach, requiring partnership between East Lothian Council, Scottish Futures Trust, and private sector developers like Hargreaves Land and Taylor Wimpey.

Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, stated: "The development of the new town of Blindwells is a transformative opportunity. To allow us to move to the next phase of this vital project, the Scottish Government has agreed to provide flexibility in funding of £2.4 million, through its grant settlement with East Lothian Council, to support the development of an outline business case."

Niall McLean, Development Director at Hargreaves Land, welcomed the framework: "As Blindwells master-developer, we have been working closely with the council and other partners for over a decade to plan and deliver a sustainable new community with the infrastructure, services and employment opportunities needed to support long-term prosperity and quality of life."

Richard Holland, Taylor Wimpey's Strategic Project Director, added: "We look forward to continuing our collaboration with East Lothian Council, Hargreaves, Scottish Futures Trust, and both Governments during the next stage of the project."

The Prospectus is now available via the ESES Deal and East Lothian Council websites.