New green energy homes get the green light

Plans for a new development of energy efficient homes in Dalkeith town centre have been approved by Midlothian Council.

Buccleuch Street

A three-storey block of 6 new council-owned flats will be built on a site to the rear of Buccleuch Street, with existing buildings on the street frontage also extended to form an additional 4 flats and 2 retail units.

Energy efficient

The properties will be built to meet rigorous ‘Passive House’ standards for energy efficiency developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany. Helping meet Midlothian Council’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2030, the new homes have been designed to use very little energy for heating and cooling while at the same time providing a high level of comfort for their occupants. As well as high standards of insulation, the houses will feature triple gazing, solar panels and a heat recovery system.

More new homes

The development has been designed by architects Smith Scott Mullan Associates who are working with the council on plans to deliver around 100 Passive House homes on three sites. Subject to planning permission, the other homes are proposed for sites in Bonnyrigg, Dalkeith and Easthouses.

First of their kind

These are the first ever council houses planned for Midlothian which meet Passive House energy efficiency standards and it is thought to be the largest scheme of its kind in Scotland.

Sustainable housing

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Stephen Curran, described the new development in Dalkeith as a “frontrunner in sustainable housing design.”

Latest design

“I am delighted that planning approval has been given for this exciting new housing development,” said Councillor Curran.  “Not only will it help us provide much-needed new council homes, but it also demonstrates how the latest design and construction standards can contribute to lower energy costs and sustainability, and help us meet our climate change target of being carbon neutral by 2030.

Quality environment

“The Buccleuch Street project will also see us retaining and reusing existing historic buildings and materials, as well as reinstating and modernising two shop units,” added Councillor Curran. “The high standard of design, building and improvement work will create a quality environment for those living there and will help the town centre thrive in the future.”

Completion date 

Work on site is scheduled to begin in late 2021 and is due to be completed by December 2022. (Updated November 2021)