A BUILDER of up-market flats has sparked protests by moving the social housing element of its scheme two miles down the road to Leith.
Council housing chiefs have been criticised for allowing Dutch developer MaB to build the affordable flats near the dock's former red light district rather than in Trinity.
Critics say the decision means the city has missed the "last chance for a
generation" to build affordable homes in the affluent neighbourhood.
The development at Trinity Park House is being advertised as "a sanctuary in the city" and an "exclusive luxury development of apartments", boasting a Victorian walled garden.
The builder had initially agreed to include a quota of affordable housing as part of its planning agreement for 250 new homes in Trinity.
But the council has agreed instead to let it build the affordable housing at Poplar Lane and Salamander Place in Leith.
Forth councillor Elaine Morris told the Evening News today: "I am very concerned about this. It was part of the legal agreement and moving it will deny people in Trinity the chance to buy one of these affordable houses, and make it all the more difficult for them to find a home.
"It's not fair to say affordable housing will be included, then to move it. This was the last chance in a generation for the people of Trinity to have some affordable housing."
Under Edinburgh planning rules, new developments of a significant size should set aside between 15 and 20 per cent of homes for affordable units.
But it has become increasingly common for developers to pledge a section of a new project – usually situated in more affluent areas – only to move it to another development already earmarked for affordable housing.
This has led to concerns in the past not only of depriving certain areas of social housing chances, but around creating "urban ghettos" in other areas.
The issue provoked controversy at the planning meeting last week, with planning convener Jim Lowrie forcing the vote through after a tie.
As a result of this deal the affordable housing quota – expected to be 47 units – will now be built at new sites.
MaB said the move would result in seven extra affordable homes being built.
Port of Leith Housing Association, working alongside MaB on the development, is said to also support the plan.
Councillors were told by planning officials at the meeting: "Essentially, it is clear that affordable housing can be provided at both sites.
"The Leith site has the advantages of being in the position to be more cost effective and can provide faster delivery.
"On the basis that this request involves the speedier provision of more units than is required, a partial exemption of the criteria (which dictates affordable units cannot be transferred from large developments] is justified."
The Trinity Park House building, on South Trinity Road, is the distinctive site of the former NHS Common Services Agency.
The full article contains 497 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
