Residents at a newly built housing estate in Edinburgh have been told some households will need to move into temporary accommodation after previously unknown mineworks were discovered under parts of the site.
What has happened at Edgelaw View
At the Edgelaw View development in Gilmerton, 16 households have been informed they may need to vacate their homes for up to eight weeks while additional ground stabilisation is carried out to address a "previously unidentified mining feature" beneath particular locations on the site.
The estate comprises 152 homes, including 39 affordable units, and was brought forward by developer Miller Homes, with some properties managed by housing association Places For People Scotland.
Precautionary works and communication with residents
Places For People Scotland described the measures as precautionary and said there is no immediate danger to residents. The association has visited affected households and issued letters and emails setting out next steps and a Q&A for residents. It said it was responding to further queries raised, including concerns about the temporary accommodation being offered.
“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,”
Miller Homes confirmed a requirement for additional groundworks in particular areas of the development, which affects a small number of both unoccupied properties and occupied homes managed by Places For People Scotland. The developer also said a handful of customers will see minor delays to their planned move-in dates and that affected buyers have been notified.
Practical implications for residents and buyers
- Affected households may be moved into temporary accommodation for up to eight weeks from late August.
- Some buyers due to move into new-build homes will experience short delays to their completion or handover dates.
- Housing association and developer representatives have been conducting personal visits and providing written information to those impacted.
The discovery follows wider public concern about the legacy of historic mineworks across parts of Scotland, where old workings can pose stability and safety challenges for modern development. Local residents will be watching closely for clear timelines, the standard of temporary housing offered and confirmation of who will meet any additional costs or disruption-related needs.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of homes at Edgelaw View | 152 |
| Affordable homes | 39 |
| Households to be relocated | 16 |
| Maximum temporary relocation | Up to 8 weeks |
Local authorities and housing bodies typically undertake site investigations and remedial work where historic mine workings are identified; however, such findings can delay developments and pose immediate practical challenges for current residents. Those affected at Edgelaw View have been advised to look out for further communication from Places For People Scotland and Miller Homes regarding exact dates for relocation, the standard of temporary accommodation and support available during the works.
