Watkin Jones has received approval from the Scottish Government for a 799-unit residential development in Chesser, Edinburgh, following a review of noise concerns that had stalled the scheme.
The project, located to the west of the city centre, will comprise 293 build-to-rent homes, 406 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) units, and 100 affordable homes.
Watkin Jones is currently in talks with a local registered provider to procure and manage the affordable housing.
The mixed-tenure scheme had gained approval from the City of Edinburgh Council in December 2022, but was called in by ministers in February 2023 due to concerns over noise levels.
Scottish Ministers have now approved the project subject to several planning conditions, after concluding the objections were unfounded.
The site contains several listed structures linked to its historic use as an agricultural market. Key elements of these buildings will be retained and refurbished around a new publicly accessible square, which has been named Heritage Square.
Watkin Jones said the project would include air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels and is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. The developer expects to complete the scheme by 2029.
The Chesser project comes amid increasing demand for both housing and student accommodation in Edinburgh.
The city’s local development plan has identified a requirement for more than 36,750 homes over the next decade, including 20,000 affordable homes by 2027. A 2024 review of council policy also highlighted a shortfall in student beds compared with rising student numbers.
Watkin Jones planning director Iain Smith said the scheme would help meet a “critical housing need” in a location close to public transport links, and preserve historic buildings on the site.
Source: Watkins Jones press release
