Permission granted to land homes near airport

A NEW £50 million scheme near Edinburgh Airport that sparked a legal row between the city council and developers has been given the go-ahead.

The scheme will see 118 family homes, an 84-bed care home and a new canal basin created at Ratho.

It was given the green light by the council's planning committee yesterday, with the condition that the developers carry out a feasibility study into providing a pedestrian bridge next to the existing bridge in Ratho.

The decision comes after developer Cala threatened to take the council to court over a decision last May to not designate the land, at Freelands Road, as suitable for housing.

It had said that the decision was effectively illegal as it had not been invited to the meeting where the decision was made.

Councillors later reversed their decision, as had been recommended by a Scottish Government inquiry.

The detailed plans for the development have sparked huge debate in the Ratho area, with nearly 100 individuals submitting objections – then more than 200 people signing a petition in favour of the scheme.

Paul Douglas, chairman of the Ratho and District Community Council (RDCC), said that local healthcare facilities were "inadequate" to support the development, while also arguing that developing agricultural land is "unsustainable and irresponsible".

"The Freelands Road site is inappropriate for this development," he said. "The proposal is unsustainable, unviable and should be refused."

The Freelands Road Action Group (FRAA) also said that there had been a lack of consultation and said the proposals do not comply with the local plan.

However, a separate group – Supporters for Positive Change for Ratho – was set up in response to vocal opposition to the scheme.

In a letter to councillors, group co-ordinator George Fairley accused the groups opposing the proposals of not looking at the "bigger picture" for the area.

He said: "The obvious benefits are much-needed affordable housing. Last year we had just one council house that came up for let and there was over 200 interested parties. The extra 19 affordable homes are a welcome addition."

John Bury, the council's head of planning, said that the proposals would be acceptable in terms of traffic, parking, access and impact on educational infrastructure.

A spokesman for Cala said: "We feel this development has a positive role to play in the regeneration of the Ratho area."

"It will help bring new families into the area, stimulate tourism investment and help bring new additions to the local school."