Rangers chief faces tough opposition to homes vision

Published on Friday 20 March 2009 00:45

RANGERS chairman Sir David Murray's bid to extend his multi-million-pound property empire is facing opposition from planners in Edinburgh.

City council officials are opposing plans to create more than 200 new homes on greenbelt land near Edinburgh Airport.

The Ratho Station scheme, which would see housing in the area almost double in size, has run into trouble over fears it may hamper attempts to expand the airport over the next 20 years.

Councillors on the capital's planning committee are being urged to safeguard land, that it is likely to be needed to help the Royal Highland Showground relocate to make way for the airport expansion. However, those plans were put on hold indefinitely last year.

Sir David's firm, PPG, has urged the planning committee to reject the professional advice of the officials on the grounds of the huge backing it says the scheme has from the local community.

Councillors will decide on the plans on Wednesday.