Residents may have seen the extremely concerning news last week that 16 households in South Gilmerton are having to temporarily move out of their homes due to newly discovered mining features beneath their properties.
Thankfully, there is no immediate risk to the residents or their properties, and I understand that the works due to take place will be precautionary.
I’ve been in touch with several of the affected residents, and I am engaging with Miller Homes and Places for People on how best they can be supported.
More widely, there are questions to be answered about why the mining features were not discovered prior to the construction of the new properties.
Considering this, I have written to Miller Homes asking them to:
- Explain why the mining features were not identified earlier and detail the assessments that were carried out before construction began in this area.
- Ensure that the remedial work is carried out in full and that the ground is made safe for the current and future residents.
- Commit to support the affected residents and provide them with clear and regular updates on the process.
You can read my full letter above.
This is yet another example of residents being let down by housing developers. I have been campaigning on this issue for years through my Build Better Places campaign, which seeks to hold developers, the Scottish Government and others accountable for poor services and infrastructure in the new housing developments in South Edinburgh. I will continue to stand up for those affected and for all of our communities, and I will keep pressing all relevant decision-makers to provide the facilities and infrastructure that our communities deserve.
If you have not yet signed my petition, please consider doing so below.