Articles that appeared simultaneously in SHN and SCN on Thursday 31st October 2025 (‘Green light for care-led development at Corstorphine conservation site’) celebrated the latest proposals for a redevelopment of the former Woolworth’s, Lloyds Pharmacy, Shelter Scotland and community hub/cafe site which would deliver benefits for all.

May I suggest an alternate ‘take’?

The initial planning application lodged by a private developer (with a major registered social landlord in tow) was to build a significant number of new homes, 25% of which (ie 9) would be ‘affordable’.

Given the dearth of such new developments in Corstorphine recently, this was greeted warmly.

Subsequently, however, the application returned, not only reducing the amount of ‘affordable’ provision but removing it altogether (ie. to none) because it was ‘not financially viable’ to do otherwise.

The reasons given included rampant inflation (which had almost trebled the costs of developing a new house in the area to £300000 in ten years) and a reduction in Scottish Government funding to support ‘affordable’ and social housing - throughout Scotland but in Edinburgh particularly.

The City of Edinburgh Council was minded to approve but only if the developer paid a ‘commuted sum’ to compensate for the inability to comply with council policy.

But this fell through too and the developer cut its losses and sold on.

So this latest proposal (like Purpose Built Student Accommodation, similarly addressing just one aspect of overall housing need ) has more to do with private profit than social value and doesn’t address the city’s housing emergency.

Another huge opportunity missed.

• Craig Sanderson is a former Link chief executive and member of the Edinburgh Poverty Commission