Murray’s housing development given the green light

Part of the 615 acres in West Edinburgh which are under the control of Murray Estates has now been approved for housing following a meeting at the City Chambers this afternoon.The developer said that the vision will create a ‘wonderful new place for people to live’ and this area will provide over 1300 new houses. The council report had recommended refusal of the plans, and did mention the fact that the Local Development Plan is not yet approved.There is still a possibility that, even though planning permission is approved for this piece of land, it could be overturned by the Reporter who is yet to pronounce on the Second draft Local Development Plan which is now at the examination stage. The decision on that is expected in June this year.The scheme is all part of a large housing development with associated infrastructure, and the developers say that they have carefully planned the area to be a sustainable way of providing a world-class extension to the city. The development will include a contribution of over £10 million for a new primary school and a neighbourhood shopping centre.The area is currently arable land and objections were made to the urbanisation of the west of Edinburgh, and the effect this will have on the already congested roads in the area.Gogar Station Road and the tram stop at Gogarburn on the northern boundary, with South Gyle Railway Station and the tram stop at South Gyle are key to accessing public transport.The whole site could accommodate 6,200 new family homes and of these 25% would be affordable. With so many houses planned, there would be six new villages formed.