RESIDENTS at a newbuild Edinburgh housing development have been told they will temporarily have to leave their homes after “previously unidentified” mineworks were discovered.
Sixteen households at the Edgelaw View estate in Gilmerton have been told they will have to move into temporary accommodation for up to eight weeks so that “preventative groundworks” can be carried out.
This is to address what was described as a “previously unidentified mining feature” discovered beneath “specific locations” in the development.
A number of people who are due to move into properties in the development will also have their move-in dates delayed.
Places For People Scotland, a housing association which manages some of the affected properties, stressed the works are only a “precautionary” measure.
“We’d like to reassure customers that these works are precautionary and designed to protect homes against any future issues – there is no current or immediate risk,” a spokesperson said.
“To allow the works to be completed safely, a small number of households will need to move into temporary accommodation for up to eight weeks from late August.”
Places For People Scotland said representatives have personally visited affected households, and that letters and emails have also been sent out containing all details, including a Q&A.
The body said it is also answering a number of follow-up questions raised by residents, along with concerns raised about the temporary accommodation.
The 152-home development, which includes 39 affordable homes, was “launched” by the developer Miller Homes in 2024.
A spokesperson for the developer said: “We have identified a requirement for additional groundworks in specific locations at Edgelaw View, impacting a small number of unoccupied homes and some occupied properties that are managed by Places For People Scotland.
“A few Miller Homes customers will experience a slight delay in moving into their new homes and we have communicated with the impacted customers regarding their revised entry dates.
“These works are precautionary and designed to protect homes against any future issues.
“While there is no immediate risk to homes, the safety and wellbeing of residents is our top priority.
“We are working with Places For People to ensure their tenants receive the information and support they need to minimise disruption while we complete these works.”
The news comes three months after dozens of homes in Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, were evacuated for safety reasons after ground movement was discovered in a number of streets.
The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) said last month that an investigation into the cause of the ground movement in the former pit village is under way, but that it is not clear how long residents will have to be away from their homes.
