Council sets target for new homes accessible for people in wheelchairs

Midlothian Council has agreed a target of 20 wheelchair accessible homes to be built in the county annually.

Both private and social housing

Half would be social housing delivered by either the council or its partners while the other ten would be private sector homes.

Councillors approved

Councillors approved the target at the full Council meeting today (Tuesday) but asked council officers to report back on further opportunities to increase that figure.

Public consulted

The move comes after a public consultation earlier this year when local people were asked for ideas and suggestions to help the council establish a target.

Gathered views

A total of 105 people filled in a short survey while four more attended discussion event about wheelchair accessible housing.

Realistic target

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for housing, Cllr Stuart McKenzie said: “Many thanks to everyone who took the time to fill in our consultation. What you told us has given us valuable information to help us set a target to address current and potential future shortfalls in wheelchair accessible homes. However, we would like to increase that target number if we possibly can which is why we’ve agreed officers should go back and look at potential ways to achieve this.”

Scotland wide requirement

All councils in Scotland must set a target for building homes accessible for wheelchairs. The council plans to integrate its agreed target into planning policy via the review of the Midlothian Local Development Plan. 

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