Wallyford

McTaggart delivered 90 high-quality affordable flats at Wallyford Area 5 for Wheatley Homes East, as part of the wider master planned expansion of Wallyford in East Lothian. The scheme represents Wheatley's first affordable housing delivery in the area and includes a mix of mid-market rent and Livingwell accommodation, designed to support independent living and social inclusion. All homes were designed to Housing for Varying Needs standards and achieved Secured by Design accreditation.

Construction sequencing was carefully planned to manage interfaces with neighbouring uses and the wider masterplan infrastructure programme. Proactive programme management enabled phased handovers from November 2025 - six months ahead of the May 2026 contractual completion date - allowing residents to move in early and enabling Wheatley to generate rental income ahead of programme.

The site's proximity to existing homes, schools and local amenities required careful management of logistics, traffic, noise and stakeholder engagement. Site operations were planned around school timetables for Wallyford Primary School, Wallyford Learning Campus and the local Early Years Centre. The western area of the site was affected by historic shallow coal mining, requiring grouting consolidation works and ground gas protection measures due to elevated carbon dioxide levels. Variable ground conditions and unsuitable existing topsoil required careful foundation design and imported landscaping materials.

Close collaboration with Wheatley Homes, the design team and East Lothian Council underpinned delivery throughout, with working relationships established across Roads, Street Lighting, Building Control and the Estates Team. Engagement with local schools enabled site operations and deliveries to be coordinated around school timetables. Regular newsletters kept stakeholders informed and strict parking controls minimised disruption to the surrounding community.

The development adopts a fabric-first approach supported by roof-mounted photovoltaic panels and high-efficiency gas-fired condensing combination boilers. Building fabric performance meets Silver Level Aspects 1 and 2, with high levels of insulation, high-performance double and triple glazing, a continuous air and vapour control strategy and airtightness targeted at 4.5 m³/m²/hr, supported by mechanical extract ventilation. All homes are designed to Housing for Varying Needs standards, with step-free access, generous circulation and lift access where required. The high-density flatted form makes efficient use of land and supports the wider sustainable community vision for the Wallyford masterplan.

McTaggart supported over £70,000 in community contributions and engaged with local schools, residents and stakeholders throughout the project. The scheme reinforces a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality affordable homes in a growing community.