Thursday October 1st 2026
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The council is currently developing new wheelchair accessible housing targets for the period 2027/28 to 2031/32 and is seeking feedback from local residents to help determine the number, type and location of homes required.
Wheelchair accessible housing targets help ensure that new homes are planned, designed and delivered to meet the needs of wheelchair users and to support independent living.
Midlothian’s current wheelchair accessible housing target is 20 homes per year, with:
– 10 social rented homes delivered by Midlothian Council and Registered Social Landlord partners
– 10 homes provided by private sector developers
The consultation will assist the council in considering different options for wheelchair accessibility targets:
– Set a single target across all housing tenures, applying the same requirement to social housing and private developments
– Set different targets for different tenures, with separate requirements for social and private housing
– Set separate targets for different parts of Midlothian, such as Midlothian East and Midlothian West
Targets can also be expressed as:
– A specific number of homes to be delivered over a set period
– A percentage requirement based on existing housing stock or new housing developments
An online survey will run from Thursday 1 October to Saturday 31 October 2026. All Midlothian residents with an interest in wheelchair accessible housing are encouraged to take part.
Take part in wheelchair accessibility survey here.
The council will also host a series of online consultation sessions via Microsoft Teams, giving residents the opportunity to learn more about the proposals and ask questions.
Dates:
– Tuesday 20 October 2026, 10am to 11am
– Wednesday 21 October 2026, 12.30pm to 1.30pm
– Thursday 22 October 2026, 4pm to 5pm
– Friday 23 October 2026, 10am to 11am
– Tuesday 27 October 2026, 12.30pm to 1.30pm
– Wednesday 28 October 2026, 4pm to 5pm
Anyone wishing to attend should email lesley.connell@midlothian.gov.uk with their preferred date.
Survey responses will be reported to local councillors in early 2027 and will help shape future wheelchair accessible housing targets for the period 2027/28 to 2031/32.
Councillor Stuart McKenzie, Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
“Everyone deserves access to a home that meets their needs and supports independent living. As we develop our wheelchair accessible housing targets for the coming years, it’s important that we hear from the people who live in our communities. Whether you currently need accessible housing, may need it in the future, or simply want to help shape housing provision in Midlothian, I would encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your views.”
For further information about the consultation, please contact Lesley Connell on 07808 903454.
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