A ‘progressive and sustainable’ plan to meet the needs of Edinburgh’s growing population has been published by the capital’s council.
The proposed city plan 2030 – which also tackles issues of climate change, net zero, and making better use of land – will be considered by the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning committee at the end of this month.
It supports the local authority’s 20-minute walkable neighbourhood approach, as well as directing development to and maximising the use of brownfield rather than allocating new greenfield sites. It also sets out how to provide more affordable homes, jobs, and active travel routes to help people move around more easily.
How the council will deliver land to meet Edinburgh’s housing needs over the next decade is included as well as securing a minimum contribution of 35% affordable housing from any new development. It also sets out policies to help manage the number of short term lets (STLs) operating in the city.
Councillor James Dalgleish, planning convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said, “We’ve listened to communities and interested groups from all over Edinburgh through our ‘choices’ consultation in 2020 and more recently the representations stage held this summer. After several years of hard work, I’m very confident we now have a progressive sustainable plan that sets out the best way for the city to grow over the next decade.
“As well as the many challenges we face through the current climate emergency, the Coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed the way many people live, work and travel around the city. The plan we are taking to committee will allow the city to adapt to meet the changing needs of future generations to come.
“Our aim with the plan is to strengthen communities and make sure that they look after the wellbeing of their residents. We want to build attractive places where people can afford to buy or rent their homes, walk to educational and healthcare facilities, enjoy cultural and sporting activities and easily access sustainable transport to visit other parts of Edinburgh.
“I envisage a more joined up city in the future and I believe by making better use of the precious land we have available in the city we can deliver this with more sustainable development of homes and greater opportunities for jobs.
“My priority now is to have this plan endorsed by committee and the Scottish Government at the examination stage. And following this, when it is finally approved by council, I look forward to working with colleagues putting it into practice in the coming years.”
If approved by the planning committee next week, city plan 2030 will be submitted to the Scottish Government for examination. The council can then consider adopting the plan to shape how the city develops over the next 10 years.
