Decision on major expansion of South Queensferry imminent

Proposals regarding a major expansion to South Queensferry will be assessed by a City of Edinburgh Council planning subcommittee this week – marking a key milestone in a planning process that has spanned almost ten years.Located south of Builyeon Road and between approaches for the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge, the proposals cover a site that includes 980 homes, a new primary school, provision for a care home and commercial units including a foodstore, drive-thru restaurants and fuel station.The masterplan for the overarching 44-hectare development received outline Planning Permission in Principle (PPP) in June 2021.The meeting on February 9 will see councillors determine two further applications related to the site; the more detailed (AMSC) application for the masterplan, as well as the outline PPP application for the commercial element to the development.A third application, a PPP concerning the care home site is being considered separately by planning officials.Should approval for the detailed masterplan proposals be received, Cala Homes will begin work on site in the coming months – to deliver the main infrastructure alongside an earthworks programme to establish the new primary school site for handover to the council later this year.The site designs have been heavily shaped following engagement with the local community, spearheaded by the Queensferry District Community Council (QDCC) including a well-attended online consultation event in October 2020.Total section 75 (planning gain) contributions for the Builyeon Road site will exceed £11 million, which in addition to the delivery of a new primary school and local transportation improvements, sees significant contributions put towards other education provision and healthcare within Queensferry.Subject to approval of the masterplan, further applications are to be submitted in the coming months on the detailed design of the homes with the first homes expected to be occupied from spring 2023.