Scotland's first post-Covid community proposed for west Edinburgh

The proposed new village on the A71 between Ratho and Dalmahoy would have 1,200 homes, a village centre with a bus/cycle hub, local retail, leisure and education/community facilities.

But as well as houses with integral workspaces featuring high-fibre broadband and appropriate light levels, there would also be a central homeworking hub offering access to supporting IT and printing, meeting and hot-desk space.

The proposed development, named Hatton Village, would include 35 per cent affordable housing – higher than current requirements – and 40 per cent of the land would be green space, park or woodland.

The site is in the greenbelt but the promoters want it to be included in the council’s 2030 City Plan and argue that it would not impact on existing communities like Currie, Balerno, Ratho or Kirkliston.

Ben Barrs, director of Inverdunning which is promoting the site alongside landowner WS Crawford, said: “Edinburgh was recently described as the greenest city in the UK, and one of the most innovative in Europe. We firmly believe our proposals can help the city retain and enhance that reputation.

"At the same time, we are passionate about helping the city tackle homelessness and poverty. These proposals are the first major development to commit up front to 35 per cent affordable housing, which will deliver 420 new affordable homes for families in a stunning setting to help deliver a high quality of life.”

“Everyone knows that demand for countryside living has rocketed since the advent of Covid-19. We also know that homeworking has grown by more than 27 per cent in the decade, and that figure will increase dramatically. With bespoke facilities to support home working and excellent public transport links, Hatton Village is perfectly placed as the right choice for Edinburgh.”

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