Built in the 1960s and now Category A listed, the two buildings collectively provide 310 homes, the majority of which are owned by the City of Edinburgh Council for social rent.

The proposed works are being driven by the need to meet the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing – EESSH2.

Achieving compliance will require substantial upgrades to both the building fabric and mechanical systems. Alongside this, the council has identified the opportunity to deliver wider improvements that will bring the buildings in line with modern new-build standards.

Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, the council’s housing, homelessness and fair work convener, said: “I am delighted that the proposals for the council’s £69 million investment in Cables Wynd House and Linksview House have now been submitted to the CEC Planning Service, setting out our plans to make our residents’ homes safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient.

“Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents have long campaigned for this much needed and substantive investment in their homes to happen.

“Their influence and input into our consultation sessions have shaped these proposals and is hugely valued.

“I look forward to continuing this positive engagement with Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents and Leith Ward Councillors as the project progresses.”

Carl Baker, architect and certified Passivhaus designer at Collective Architecture, said: “Collective Architecture is proud to be working with the City of Edinburgh Council on the retrofit of Cables Wynd House and Linksview House.

“Our proposals place residents at the heart of the process, aiming to provide greener, warmer homes, while celebrating and sensitively enhancing the unique character of the Category A listed buildings.

“As part of a just transition, our carefully considered interventions will improve the thermal and environmental performance of the iconic structures – boosting energy efficiency and alleviating the risk of fuel poverty.

“As with many of our projects, meaningful resident engagement has been central to the design process and will remain a key focus through the final design stage and into construction.”