Work started on 90 new affordable homes in Wallyford

The 18.9 million affordable housing development, forms part of the wider masterplan for the growing East Lothian town, which will see 1450 homes built, up to 500 of which will be for affordable rent.

Work has started on an affordable housing development in East Lothian which will bring 90 new affordable homes to Wallyford.  McTaggart Construction is building the one, two and three-bedroom flats, which should be ready in 2026. 

The homes at Wallyford are being built for Wheatley, the housing, care and property-management group. It will include 61 for mid-market rent – for people whose household income is less than £40,000 a year, but who may not qualify for social housing.  

The other 29 flats will be Livingwell homes – a service provided by Wheatley Care for tenants over the age of 55.

This new development forms part of the wider masterplan for the area which will see a community of 1450 homes, up to 500 of which will be for affordable rent, a public park, two new schools and a sports facility.    

Wheatley Group Director of Development and Regeneration, Lindsay Lauder, said: “We’re excited to start work on these new high-quality homes in East Lothian.   

“We want to increase the supply of affordable housing and these fantastic new mid-market rent homes will help those who don’t qualify for social rent but can’t afford to buy or rent privately.   

“These homes will also provide security for older people who have additional support needs, but still want to live independently in their community.   

“Thank you to our partners at the Scottish Government, East Lothian Council, McTaggart Construction and Allia C&C for their support in bringing this development to life.”   

The development is being funded by grants of £6.4 million from Scottish Government and £3 million from the Scottish Charitable Bond programme. Wheatley Group is funding the remaining £9.5 million.   

Janice Russell, Managing Director at McTaggart, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering much needed quality affordable homes in East Lothian.    

“We look forward to working closely with Wheatley Group and the community to build an important development that will make a positive difference to many lives, from providing wonderful homes to creating local employment opportunities, including apprenticeships and additional work for local suppliers.”  

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Wheatley play a valuable role in increasing the range of housing available to rent throughout Scotland, and I am delighted to see this development progressing.  

“The Scottish Government has supported these homes with £6.4 million of funding from the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and also through a further £3.1 million that we have generated from the Scottish Charitable Bonds programme. This Scottish Government funding support will enable Wheatley to provide 90 high quality, energy efficient homes in Wallyford. 

“High quality housing is a key pillar of Housing to 2040, whilst also eradicating fuel poverty and homelessness and ensuring everyone has access to green space and essential services. Wheatley play a key role in building high-quality homes and I welcome these new affordable houses in Wallyford.” 

Peter Freer, Head of Scottish Office for Allia C&C, said “This development is a great example of how the Charitable Bond programme is helping to boost the creation of new affordable homes across Scotland.   

“We were pleased to arrange an unsecured loan for Wheatley through a bond issue earlier this year, and subsequently to release a grant through the programme to complete the funding for the development.”