Springfield Properties has secured outline planning consent to create a new neighbourhood in Midlothian.
The Lingerwood development, which was recommended for approval by planning officers, should see up to 1,000 new homes delivered.
Detailed proposals will now be progressed for the first 200 homes. Designs aim promote low and zero carbon technologies and use sustainable building techniques to minimise environmental impact.
The masterplan shows how Lingerwood plans to embrace the 20-minute neighbourhood model, while also including green spaces, woodland planting, meadows and grasslands.
Designs also feature a standalone ‘an clachan’ at the development’s heart, drawing inspiration from the area’s mining history, as well as play spaces, allotments, landscaped gardens and seating areas.
Martin Egan, chief operating officer for Springfield, commented: “This planning consent marks a major milestone for a significant development that will bring forward excellent quality, energy efficient homes for people in Midlothian.
“We have spent a great deal of time consulting with Midlothian Council and local stakeholders and their feedback has been invaluable so far - we are keen to build on these relationships as we refine our plans and look ahead to the first phase of development.”
Springfield is also currently developing Dykes of Gray in Dundee, Bertha Park in Perth, and Elgin South in Elgin. Planning has also been secured for Durieshill in Stirling.
Meanwhile, the Springfield Group has revealed new data which underlines the value of sustainable building and energy efficiency in the property sector - and its increasing importance to homeowners.
More than 750 homeowners from across the country responded to its survey, which revealed that 74% would pay more for a property if it had a higher energy efficiency rating. Of those agreeing, 35% would pay up to 5% more, with 12% paying up to 10% more.
The group, which is comprised of Springfield Properties, Springfield Partnerships, Dawn Homes, Walker Group, Tulloch Homes and Mactaggart & Mickel, also found that 97% of respondents had an interest in sustainability, and over half expressing a ‘strong interest’.
A further 72% of customers also said that ‘environmental considerations’ was the most influential factor in deciding between different house builders in the area, while 27% of those surveyed suggested that they are considering switching to an electric vehicle - a figure much higher than the national average which sees just 2% of drivers owning battery powered cars.
Innes Smith, chief executive of the Springfield Group, said: “These figures reveal a very decisive shift in the attitudes of homebuyers, with more people than ever before considering the efficiency of their home.
“A year ago, energy efficiency would not have been a top consideration for buyers, with customers more interested in our high specification and the quality of our fittings before levels of insulation or EPC ratings.”
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