Plans for 30,000 new affordable homes in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Edinburgh Council previously committed to create 16,000 homes over the next decade (iStock)

COUNCIL chiefs have approved housing plans which aim to create up to 30,000 affordable homes in Scotland’s two biggest cities.

The City of Edinburgh Council has outlined detailed proposals to deliver the first phase of the authority’s commitment to build 20,000 affordable homes over the next ten years.

And in Glasgow a strategic housing investment plan (SHIP) has been created for 10,000 new affordable homes over next five years.

Edinburgh Council previously committed to create 16,000 homes over the next decade in January 2016.

On Thursday the authority proposed a plan for 2018/19 to 2022/23.

Councillor Gavin Barrie, convener of housing and economy, said: “This is the largest strategic housing investment plan ever put forward to committee for approval.

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“It will also accelerate house building to provide the increase in affordable homes that Edinburgh so desperately needs, helping all residents on low to moderate incomes to access the right type of housing to meet their needs.”

Glasgow’s plan aims to create sustainable mixed tenure communities in the city and work with local communities to improve housing quality and services.

The plan will focus on quality design, community benefits, improving energy efficiency and tackling fuel poverty, and digital and technological innovation.

Councillor Kenny McLean, city convener for neighbourhoods, housing and public realm at Glasgow City Council, said: “The council is committed to making sure that people and families in Glasgow have access to affordable housing, a cornerstone in our aims of improving the quality of life for many Glaswegians and giving everyone in the city the opportunity to share in our economic growth.

“A five-year plan such as this allows the council and our housing partners in the public and private sectors to plan ahead, in order for us to deliver the targets set for affordable homes in the city.”

The proposals for both Glasgow and Edinburgh councils will now be submitted to the Scottish Government.