PLANS for a new 7,000 home development on the outskirts of Edinburgh have been recommended to the city council for planning permission.
The development, proposed by West Town Edinburgh Limited, could transform the area into a 20-minute’ neighbourhood with its own wealth of amenities.
Potentially costing £2bn, the proposal follows the guidelines set out by the City of Edinburgh Council’s City Plan 2030, which was adopted earlier this month.
If approved, the development will be “one of the most significant and sustainable urban expansions of Edinburgh in a generation”.
It is set on a 205-acre site located between Ingliston Park and Ride and Gogar Roundabout, near Edinburgh Airport.
The City Plan 2030 has identified the area as having the potential to transform into a vibrant, self-serving extension of the city.
As well as 7,000 homes, the neighbourhood could include schools, bars, cafes, restaurants and retail shops, which will provide employment opportunities in the area.
In accordance with the council’s City Plan 2030, which addresses climate change and prioritises meeting net zero goals by 2030, there will be 27 acres of accessible green space, connected by cycle, running, and walking tracks.
The proposal addresses the continuing housing crisis in the city, which has resulted in rising housing costs and an increase in homelessness.
The situation is set to worsen by the end of the week, when almost 700 people will be forced to move from the unlicensed temporary accommodation that they were placed in following the pandemic and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Tomorrow, councillors will conduct an emergency meeting to decide whether to grant more licenses, in order to curb a potential increase in rough sleepers.
The City of Edinburgh Council requires the new development to have a minimum of 35% affordable housing contribution, and all new buildings must be net zero compliant.
The proposal will be considered for approval next week, on the council’s recommendation that “no other material considerations have been identified that outweigh this conclusion”.
