Edinburgh is forecast to grow rapidly both in terms of population and housing need in the next 20-30 years.

The South East of Scotland plan (SESplan), which is intended to promote and guide development in South East Scotland over the next two decades, is in the process of being composed by The City of Edinburgh Council along with its neighbouring Councils in the Lothians, Fife and Borders.

The Council has also set out some bold objectives for the future expansion of Scotland's capital city. In its 'Delivering Capital Growth' document, it states it wants the population of Edinburgh to grow by 1% every year and would like to see 36,600 homes built over the next 10 years.

The City of Edinburgh Council sees a merit in a long-term strategy which seeks to provide affordable family housing in the City, close to public transport, work places and community facilities. For this reason, west Edinburgh presents one of the most sensible options for growth, as explained in the SESplan Main Issues Report.

The City of Edinburgh Council, in collaboration with the other SESplan Councils, will decide the exact scale and location of development in west Edinburgh.

Shortage of Affordable Family Homes - The focus on redevelopment of brownfield sites in Edinburgh over the last decade has meant far too great a proportion of new homes within the City have been flats. In recent years as many as 9 out of every 10 homes built has been a flat. This has led to significant shortfalls in the supply of affordable family homes in the City.

The Green Belt - Government planning policy requires that Green Belt be periodically reviewed, taking into account city development requirements.