The application is in joint names with the current owner/occupier of the site Capability Scotland and Hillcrest Housing Association which intends on owning the completed new homes.

It is anticipated that the project will deliver a choice of tenures but that all homes will be affordable. Hillcrest Housing Association or its subsidiary Northern Housing Company will own and manage the units upon completion.

Situated on the site of a former laundry and a day centre, the development will be located between a modern housing development and Craigentinny House. The building will vary in height and reaches 6 storeys at its maximum.

The proposed development has been designed so as not to detract from the neighbouring Craigentinny House, originally built in 1604 (but has been remodelled at various times). The proposed development sits back from Loaning Road so that Craigentinny House is still prominent on the street.

It is hoped that work will begin during autumn/winter 2016 and will be complete within 18 months of site start.

Ryan Fletcher of Cullross said: “The work involved in getting to this stage should not be underestimated. This site raised some complex design challenges which had to be taken into consideration. I believe that we have managed to come up with a proposal which addresses these challenges and will enhance the area generally. We are very excited to see this project progress through the planning phase and on to site.”

David Zwirlein, Director of Development and New Business, Hillcrest added, “This is an excellent location in which to provide much needed affordable housing for the city. All of the amenities of the city centre are easily accessible, as is the scenic coastline of Portobello. There were a lot of considerations to be made when designing the development and we are happy that the proposals we’re submitting for planning will address of all these.”

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Housing Convener, Councillor Cammy Day, welcomed the announcement: “This development is a great example of the fantastic, much-needed affordable homes that the Council and housing associations are building in Edinburgh. Hillcrest recently joined other Housing Associations to pledge to match our commitment to build 8,000 homes like these in the capital, a partnership that will see an incredible 16,000 being delivered to people on low to middle incomes.”