£25m Cameron Toll expansion set to get green light

The proposal for the extension to the Cameron Toll complex would include retail, restaurant and leisure space.

It is thought that a second anchor store would be created on the site as well as around ten other retail units, six new restaurants, a roof-top terrace and a cinema with five screens.

Planning officials have recommended that the application be granted, but councillors will have the final say at a meeting on Wednesday.

Up to 500 jobs are expected to be created under the plans.

However, several objections have been submitted in response to the application, including one from St James Centre owner Henderson Global Investors - the developer behind the 850m 'St James Quarter' plan.

Among some of the concerns expressed by individuals and groups was traffic congestion, the height of the expansion, loss of views to Arthur's Seat and the impact of the new cinema on city centre cinemas.

The Craigmillar Park Association also raised concerns about possible extended opening hours in a letter to the city council. It said: "The cinema and bar proposals imply later opening hours than those currently experienced by local residents, and it would be an unfortunate outcome of these proposals if there is an increase in rowdy and drunken behaviour as a consequence of the later opening due to the cinema and bar facilities.

"If these are to be approved, we think the opening hours initially should be restricted through the licensing process to gain experience before considering extending them."

Council planners have recommended that the application be granted, subject to several conditions. John Bury, the council's head of planning, said: "The mix of retail, restaurant and cinema uses represents a positive contribution to the area in line with the aim of improving the quality of the offer at the centre."

The centre, which opened in 1984 and already includes a Sainsbury's superstore, was bought by an Irish investment fund in 2008. The plans were initially unveiled in 2009 by Dublin-based Warren Private Finance, which manages the investment fund, backed by a syndicate of Irish business figures, which paid more than 80m for the centre

The new development is earmarked for land currently used for car parking at the southern end of the site. It is understood that the work would take around 18 months to complete.

The application also includes the creation of a pedestrian link from Liberton Road, as well as additional car parking, including a car park deck.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, said: "Now that an application has been submitted, it is for the planning committee to determine whether the development should proceed but, from an economic development perspective, anything that can add to the city's overall retail offering should be encouraged - particularly in the current climate."