Dozens of new Edinburgh homes set for abandoned site despite 'flooding' fears

Kris Gourlay
·3-min read
visual of development
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Plans to demolish 16 Edinburgh garages to make way for a new housing scheme have been approved by councillors.

The proposals to bulldoze the site on Gorgie Road were given the go-ahead on Wednesday despite fears raised over future flooding from the Water of Leith.

The Dundas Estates development is set to deliver 63 new homes, including 22 affordable units split between social and mid-market rent. The 0.7-hectare site is currently occupied by industrial and yard storage for nearby homes.

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Councillors agreed the plans would deliver much-needed accommodation for the city and aligned with the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework 4 despite fears it could suffer from flooding in the future, with the potential to leave residents stranded for several hours.

The application also received an objection from environmental protection agency SEPA and the council's own flooding team.

A description of the application added: "The development site is currently free from flooding and safe flood-free pedestrian access and egress can be provided. However, the Flood Risk Assessment shows that the applicant cannot provide safe flood-free pedestrian access to and from the development when considering future climate change, and therefore the proposal fails to align with the Council's Flooding Team guidance, resulting in an objection from the Flooding Team.

"The Flood Risk Assessment notes that wider mitigation measures would need to be considered by the council to reduce wider flood risk, as a result of climate change. The Flood Risk Assessment notes that the council would address the increasing flood risk, due to climate change, over the timescale of the development.

"The Councils Flood Team have noted that there is no immediate plans to address the flood risk in the area to mitigate against the 1:200-year return period event, including an allowance for climate change."

The site will host three modern flatted blocks ranging from two to four storeys with features including rain gardens, energy-efficient designs, and secure cycling facilities.

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Existing garages serving adjacent tenement residents will also be replaced with upgraded facilities, ensuring seamless integration with the surrounding area.

The proposal will utilise the existing vehicular access from Gorgie Road, whilst creating additional footpath connections to the north east and south of the site. Parking for the new developments will be provided in a centralised location, to the front of the flatted block to the south for a total of nine vehicles.

A further two car parking spaces will be provided in integral garages. Secure cycle stores will be provided for each of the accommodation blocks, providing a total of 140 cycle parking spaces.

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Mike Andrews, land and development manager with Dundas, said: “This development is a positive step forward given Edinburgh’s stark housing needs, delivering attractive and efficient private homes and affordable properties.

“By regenerating unused brownfield land, we aim to provide high-quality homes while enhancing the local environment and fostering a strong sense of community.”

Construction is expected to begin early next year, with completion targeted for 2026. Dundas has pledged to keep the community informed throughout the process.

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