PLANS for the build of new energy efficient homes in Dalkeith have been approved by Midlothian Council.
The three-storey block of six council-owned flats are to be built on a site to the rear of Buccleugh Street, in the town’s centre. Existing buildings on the street frontage will also be extended to form an additional four flats and two retail units.
The local authority said that the properties will be built to meet rigorous Passivhaus standards for energy efficiency. To aid the council’s aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, the homes have also been designed to use very little energy for heating and cooling – while at the same time providing a high level of comfort for their occupants.
The development has been designed by architects, Smith Scott Mullan Associates. The firm is working with Midlothian Council on plans to deliver around 100 passive house homes on three sites.
Midlothian Council’s cabinet member for housing, councillor Stephen Curran, commented, “I am delighted that planning approval has been given for this exciting new housing development. Not only will it help us provide much-needed new council homes, but it also demonstrates how the latest design and construction standards can contribute to lower energy costs and sustainability, and help us meet our climate change target of being carbon neutral by 2030.
“The Buccleuch Street project will also see us retaining and reusing existing historic buildings and materials, as well as reinstating and modernising two shop units,” added Councillor Curran. “The high standard of design, building and improvement work will create a quality environment for those living there and will help the town centre thrive in the future.”
The council said work on the development is scheduled to begin in the early summer and will be completed by late summer of 2022.
