Midlothian Council tenants whose properties were demolished after elevated levels of carbon dioxide were found in them have been given first priority when allocating new homes in a development in Gorebridge.

Of the 64 households impacted when Newbyres Crescent and Gore Avenue was demolished, 21 of them have said they would like to move into the new homes on Robert Franks Avenue and Robert Franks Gardens.

At the full council meeting this week, councillors agreed the local letting initiative for two phases of the new Robert Franks development.

To create a balanced and sustainable community, eligible tenants impacted by the Newbyres demolition are given first priority. Next on the list are Gorebridge tenants living in either overcrowded homes or Gorebridge tenants who are under occupying their home by one or more rooms.

After those priority groups, Gorebridge applicants who are homeless or on the general needs list will be considered if they have chosen Gorebridge as an area of choice in which to live.

Finally, if any of the first phase of 37 properties are left, the remaining homes will be offered to homeless and general needs applicants who are not living in Gorebridge but have it listed as an area of choice.

The same letting criteria will apply when the second phase of 32 homes are available to let.