Locals and councillors in Edinburgh have hit out at a builder's plan to move the affordable housing allocation of an upmarket development away from the development itself.

Edinburgh City Council housing chiefs have been criticised for allowing Dutch developer, MaB to build the affordable flats near Leith dock's former red light district rather than in Trinity.

Critics say the decision means the city has missed the "last chance for a generation" to build affordable homes in the affluent neighbourhood.

The development at Trinity Park House is being advertised as "a sanctuary in the city" and an "exclusive luxury development of apartments", boasting a Victorian walled garden.

The builder had initially agreed to include a quota of affordable housing as part of its planning agreement for 250 new homes in Trinity. But the council has agreed instead to let it build the affordable housing at Poplar Lane and Salamander Place in Leith.


Forth councillor, Elaine Morris told the Evening News: "I am very concerned about this. It was part of the legal agreement and moving it will deny people in Trinity the chance to buy one of these affordable houses, and make it all the more difficult for them to find a home. It's not fair to say affordable housing will be included, then to move it. This was the last chance in a generation for the people of Trinity to have some affordable housing."

Under Edinburgh planning rules, new developments of a significant size should set aside between 15 and 20% of homes for affordable units. But it has become increasingly common for developers to pledge a section of a new project only to move it to another development already earmarked for affordable housing.

This has led to concerns in the past not only of depriving certain areas of social housing chances, but around creating "urban ghettos" in other areas. The issue provoked controversy at the planning meeting, with planning convener Jim Lowrie forcing the vote through after a tie.

As a result of this deal the affordable housing quota - expected to be 47 units - will now be built at new sites. MaB said the move would result in seven extra affordable homes being built.

(GK/JM)