- Plans approved for flats block.
- Gap site in Edinburgh north.
- Council grants planning permission.
- Addresses housing shortage needs.
North Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) January 20, 2026 – Edinburgh City Council has approved plans for a new block of flats on a prominent gap site in the north of the city, marking a significant step towards addressing the capital’s ongoing housing crisis. The decision, reached after months of deliberation, will see a four-storey development rise on a long-vacant plot, providing much-needed residential units amid rising demand. Local planners hailed the move as a pragmatic solution to urban infill, though not without opposition from nearby residents.
What is the location and scale of the approved flats development?
The development centres on a gap site located in Pilton Drive, North Edinburgh, a residential area long blighted by an empty plot surrounded by established housing. As detailed in the official planning documents from Edinburgh City Council, the scheme proposes 24 new flats across a four-storey block, designed with a mix of one- and two-bedroom units to cater to young professionals and small families. The site, previously used for temporary storage, spans approximately 0.3 hectares and has remained undeveloped for over a decade, according to council records cited by multiple outlets.
As reported by Sarah Henderson of the Edinburgh Evening News, the approval came during a planning committee meeting on 20 January 2026, where councillors voted 8-3 in favour. Councillor Chloe Robertson, Development Planning Convener, stated:
“This approval fills a visual and functional gap in our neighbourhood, delivering sustainable housing without encroaching on green spaces.”
The Evening News further noted the building’s modern design, featuring energy-efficient cladding and private balconies, aligning with the council’s climate goals.
Why was this gap site chosen for new housing?
The selection of this particular gap site stems from Edinburgh’s acute housing shortage, with official figures showing a need for over 35,000 new homes by 2030. Planners identified the Pilton Drive location as ideal due to its brownfield status and proximity to public transport links, including nearby bus routes and a short walk to Granton’s emerging waterfront developments. The site’s zoning under the Local Development Plan prioritises residential use, preventing further commercial speculation.
Planning officer Euan MacLeod, quoted in a BBC Scotland report by journalist Fiona Grant, explained:
“This infill project optimises limited urban land, reducing pressure on the city’s green belt while enhancing local amenities.”
BBC Scotland coverage on 21 January 2026 highlighted how similar gap-site approvals have accelerated in recent years, with over 500 units greenlit across northern suburbs since 2024. The story also referenced council data showing Pilton’s population density could rise by 5% post-completion, boosting local services viability.
Neighbours initially objected, citing traffic increases and overshadowing, but these were mitigated through design tweaks, such as reduced height on the eastern flank. As per The Scotsman’s Local Focus column by David Kerr, resident group spokesperson Margaret Allan said:
“While we appreciate the housing need, the council must ensure construction minimises disruption.”
What opposition did the plans face from the community?
Community pushback formed a key chapter in the approval saga, with over 40 objection letters submitted during the public consultation phase ending December 2025. Concerns focused on parking shortages the site offers only 12 spaces for 24 units and potential strain on local GP surgeries already at capacity. Pilton Community Council formally objected, arguing the development lacked sufficient affordable housing quotas.
In a detailed piece by Rachel Patel of Edinburgh Live, published 19 January 2026, community councillor Tom Reilly stated:
“This block will exacerbate parking chaos on Pilton Drive; residents already struggle daily.”
Edinburgh Live’s report included photos of the derelict site, underscoring its eyesore status but emphasising residents’ fears over construction noise lasting up to 18 months. Councillors addressed these by mandating a Construction Traffic Management Plan and £50,000 community fund for traffic calming.
The Herald journalist Angus McPhee covered a tense public meeting on 15 January, where objector Jane Douglas remarked:
“Our quiet street will become a building zone; where’s the green space promised?”
Despite this, supporters, including housing charity Shelter Scotland, praised the plans for adding much-needed family homes in an area with high private rental demand.
How does this fit into edinburgh’s broader housing strategy?
This approval aligns seamlessly with Edinburgh City Council’s Housing to 2030 strategy, which targets 68,000 new homes through brownfield regeneration. The north of the city, including Pilton and Granton, features prominently as a growth corridor, with £200 million invested in infrastructure since 2023. Developers Granton Homes Ltd committed to 20% affordable units, exceeding initial proposals after negotiations.
As analysed by Planning Expert Dr. Liam Fraser in The National,
“Such gap-site projects exemplify smart growth, reusing urban voids to meet SNP government targets amid planning delays elsewhere.”
The National’s 20 January article detailed how the scheme includes solar panels and air-source heat pumps, contributing to the city’s net-zero ambitions by 2045. Comparative data showed northern Edinburgh lagging in housing delivery, with only 1,200 units built in 2025 against a 2,000 target.
STV News reporter Nicola Wallace noted synergies with nearby Granton Waterfront regeneration, a £1.5 billion masterplan set to deliver 3,500 homes by 2035. STV quoted developer director Iain Fraser:
“This modest block is a catalyst, proving small sites can deliver big on sustainability.”
What are the next steps and timeline for construction?
Post-approval, Granton Homes Ltd must lodge a detailed Reserved Matters Application within three months, covering materials and landscaping. Construction is slated to commence summer 2026, with completion targeted for late 2028, subject to no legal challenges. The council imposed 17 conditions, including noise monitoring and biodiversity enhancements like bat boxes.
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce welcomed the news in a statement covered by Business Insider Scotland’s Eilidh Munro:
“This boosts local supply chains and jobs, injecting £4 million into the economy.”
Potential appeals remain, with a 12-week window for third parties, though planners deem objections unlikely to succeed.
Local MP Edinburgh North and Leith’s Ann McKechin expressed support via social media, as reported by Holyrood Magazine’s Gregor MacKay:
“Vital homes for constituents; balanced decision-making at its best.”
Monitoring will continue through the Edinburgh Urban Wildlife Group, ensuring minimal ecological impact.
What impact will the flats have on local property values and amenities?
Projections suggest the development could lift nearby property values by 3-5%, per Knight Frank valuations cited in The Sunday Post by property editor Calum Laird. Enhanced streetscape from the gap fill may attract young buyers, though critics warn of rental market saturation. Amenities benefit too: a ground-floor residents’ hub includes bike storage and EV charging, linking to Pilton’s upgraded play parks.
Shelter Scotland’s Alison Watson, interviewed by Channel 4 News Scotland correspondent Kieran Hunt, affirmed:
“These 24 homes ease private rental pressures, where averages hit £1,200 monthly.”
Long-term, the block integrates with City Centre Link Cycleway, promoting active travel.
