Planners approve Meggetland care home

City planners have given the go-ahead to controversial plans for a 60-bed care home at Meggetland.

The proposal from developer Edinburgh Letting Solutions had raised concerns from a number of organisations and neighbours because access was down a narrow lane with a blind opening onto a busy part of Slateford Road.

Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart Councillor Gordon Buchan said: "I think it's a shame that eight members of the planning committee didn't listen to the views of local residents and in some cases have done a U-turn from their previous position on development at Meggetland.

"It will result in a dangerous situation in terms of road safety."

The home will include four residential blocks and a reception block with office, kitchen, laundry and activity rooms.

Part of the surrounding land, which is currently overgrown, will be turned into gardens for the home, and the remainder will become a public park with community orchard.

Among those raising concerns about the development were Lothian and Borders Police, the Craiglockhart Community Council and sportscotland, which said the area was part of the Meggetland playing fields and should not be built on.