Beatlie Road

McTaggart delivered 81 new homes in Winchburgh for Wheatley Group, creating a thriving mixed-tenure community on a challenging brownfield site in one of Scotland's fastest-growing towns.

The development brings together a genuine mix of house types and sizes: cottage flats, bungalows, terraced villas, and a detached home, with 1 to 5 bedrooms across the range. Of the 81 homes, 52 are available at social rent and 29 at mid-market rent, with all MMR properties handed over with white goods and carpets included, ready for residents to move in.

Delivered under a Traditional Contract with a Novated Design Team, the project met Gold Regulation 7 standard, achieved Secured by Design accreditation, and complied fully with Housing for Varying Needs requirements.

This project presented a concentrated set of challenges. Contaminated ground, constrained access, utility conflicts, planning scrutiny, and initial community resistance. McTaggart met each one with structured planning and transparent communication. Before a spade hit the ground, ecologists and remediation specialists had already completed asbestos removal, borehole decommissioning, and site dewatering. An overhead cable awaiting diversion by Scottish Power was managed by resequencing works to maintain programme. Ground level discrepancies required repeated design amendments during the build, handled through close engagement with the planning authority, who remained highly engaged throughout, particularly around external finishes. Local residents were initially opposed to the development. Through consistent communication, a local newsletter programme, and integration into the Winchburgh Council Group, community resistance gave way to constructive dialogue and lasting positive relationships.

Planned as a single completion, the project adapted to deliver phased handovers from March 2025, meaning residents were moving into their new homes while construction continued on the remaining phases. Wheatley Group began placing tenants ahead of final project completion, delivering early value to the client. Design team meetings were held regularly throughout, alongside fortnightly builder meetings with Winchburgh Developments and other local contractors. A local resident newsletter kept the community informed at every stage. Weekly aftercare and defect monitoring reports ensured the highest standards of post-handover quality.

Community benefit requirements were formally removed from the contract scope. McTaggart delivered them anyway because we believe building homes means building communities.

• Four apprentices supported throughout the project
• One apprenticeship completed
• Two work placements provided for individuals aged 16+
• One new job created, taken up by a priority group individual
• Two vocational qualifications achieved by new entrants
• Three school, mentoring and education activities delivered
• One local supply chain development activity completed

The design of Beatlie Road sets it apart. Single-ply roofing, dormer windows, and aluminium-clad porches and capping give the streetscape a quality and coherence that complements the wider Winchburgh masterplan. McTaggart worked closely with planners throughout the build to protect design integrity, particularly around external finishes, maintaining regular dialogue to secure timely approvals without programme delay.