First phase of controversial Garden District gets green light

CONTROVERSIAL plans by former Rangers owner Sir David Murray for 1320 homes, along with shops, a new primary school and community facilities on the edge of the Capital have been approved by councillors.

Artist's impression of the proposed Garden District. Picture: Contributed

The scheme is the first phase of the £1 billion Garden District for around 6000 homes on greenbelt land between the City Bypass and the RBS headquarters at Gogarburn.

A full meeting of the city council voted 35-17 to grant planning permission, although the proposals still need to be referred to the Scottish Government because of an objection from Scottish Agricultural Science Agency, which is based close to the site.

Planning convener Ian Perry said backing the plans would provide more acceptable land for new housing than some other proposed sites like Cammo, Curriehill and Curriemuirend.

But fellow Labour councillor Lesley Hinds spoke out against the Garden District proposals, arguing the site did not have adequate transport links.

And the Greens said the plan would “rip up” the green belt.

Officials had recommended rejection, but councillors on the development management sub-committee had already given the scheme their backing.

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