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Redevelopment of Cowan’s Close for affordable housing

Render of people walking down Cowans Close

Update January 2024

The Council now has planning approval for its proposed development of Cowan’s Close. The approval is for a 4-storey block of 19 flats including one, two and three bedroom homes and garden space for residents. All homes will be suitable for wheelchair users with flats on upper floors accessed by lift. 

Shortage of affordable housing

There is a shortage of affordable housing, like Council housing, in Edinburgh. For every Council house that becomes available for relet there are an average of 192 households ‘bidding’ to get it.

As well as the shortage of affordable housing there is an even greater shortage of adapted homes suitable for people with a disability or who need to use a wheelchair.

The proposal to build new wheelchair adapted Council homes at Cowan’s Close is being done as part of a Council target to build 20,000 new affordable homes in the city aimed at addressing some of that need.

Cowan’s Close progress to date

The former depot building has now been demolished and the street cleansing staff relocated.

The Council has appointed CCG Ltd as main contractor for the site who will prepare a tender for the Council to consider. Should the tender be affordable then construction of the new homes should start late 2024.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the site please email

housingregeneration@edinburgh.gov.uk

or write to

Freepost HOUSING RESEARCH (no stamp required).

Please include Cowan’s Close as subject.