Greenbelt development bid turned down

Published on 07/04/2012 12:45

PROPOSALS to build 15 luxury villas on greenbelt land have been refused by planners after opposition from the community.

Miller Homes intended to develop the homes on agricultural land close to the City Bypass at Fairmilehead.

As a greenbelt development, the plans are contrary to the Edinburgh local plan and required an exemption from councillors. However, they unanimously voted against the scheme at Winton Gardens.

Miller Homes made the proposal after the collapse of a 400-home project on greenbelt land at Newcraighall. Land had been freed up to address the housing shortage and the firm argued the quota should have been be filled elsewhere.

However, Councillor Joanna Mowat said: “It’s pretty clear to me that the department should have said no [in the first instance] and we’ve heard nothing today to change my mind.”