Leithplan to build affordable housing expanded

HUNDREDS of new affordable homes are being built in Leithinabidtotrytoeasethe capital’s soaring house prices.

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has confirmed plans to build 850 new homes over the next five years, which represents an extra 154 properties by 2020 andatotalof370moreover the next five years than previously planned.

The Association’s Board have approved revisions to its five-year Strategic Plan following a combination of increased rates of capital subsidy from government and a new long-term private funding facility through Canada Life last year.

The announcement will see PoLHA invest £89 million in new development and £7m in improving the quality of its existing homes between 2015 and2020.

Keith Anderson, chief executive at PoLHA, said: “Edinburgh’s residents face ongoing high house prices and continued high demand for affordable, secure and high-quality housing for rent. It is crucial that we deliver enough homes to respond.”

More than £590m is being made available to increase the supply of affordable homes in Scotland, according to the Scottish Government. The budget is an increase of £18m compared to last year.

Councils across the country will share £422m to build more homes in their communities. The remaining money will fund national schemes for first-time buyers and increasing rural and island housing.

Communities Secretary Angela Constance announced the funding on a visit to Link Housing Association in Edinburgh. She said: “A good supply of affordable homes is vital to ensuring everyone has an equal chance of getting on in life.”