Five-star housebuilder Cruden has been granted planning permission to redevelop the former St John Vianney’s Roman Catholic Church site at 40 Fernieside Gardens, Edinburgh. The plans will transform the vacant, deteriorating 1950s building into a high-quality, fully affordable housing development, delivering 35 much-needed new homes within one of the city’s well-connected 20-minute neighbourhoods.

The new development will comprise two flatted blocks of three to four storeys, offering a mix of 17 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom and 7 three-bedroom homes. Located close to schools, shops, parks, healthcare facilities, and excellent public transport links, Fernieside Gardens will provide residents with convenient access to essential services while promoting sustainable, low-carbon living.

Making sustainable use of brownfield land, the sympathetic redevelopment supports the Scottish Government’s drive to protect greenfield sites and create thriving communities in existing urban areas. An impressive 70% of the site will be open landscaped space, with almost half (44%) dedicated to green space, including central communal gardens, rain gardens, and green buffers to boost biodiversity and support sustainable drainage. 

The homes will be built to high environmental standards and have a number of sustainability features. Plans include zero-emission heating, photovoltaic solar panels and high levels of insulation. 

The car parking provision includes EV charging points, accessible spaces, and ample cycle storage alongside strong emphasis on walking, cycling and public transport.

Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “It is fantastic to have secured planning permission for Fernieside Gardens, which will deliver high-quality, affordable homes in a location that’s already rich in amenities and community spirit. This development breathes new life into a redundant, brownfield site by placing sustainable communities and green infrastructure at its heart. It’s another example of how thoughtful design can support Edinburgh’s net-zero ambitions while meeting the critical need for affordable housing.”

Work on Fernieside Gardens is expected to begin later this year.