New Edinburgh housing development could create 'traffic chaos' in 'worst possible place' for new housing

Councillor Kevin Lang has warned of the potential issues with the new housing.

A new housing development approved last year could bring “traffic chaos” to an already under-pressure part of the Capital, a councillor has claimed.

The Cammo Fields development was criticised by councillors for being “the worst possible place” for new housing in Edinburgh when proposals were approved in May last year.

The site, which will be delivered by CALA Homes and David Wilson Homes sits next to the busy Maybury Road and the heavily congested Barnton junction.

The location of the new housing development next to Maybury Road (Photo: CALA Homes)

Edinburgh City Council said they are working on prioritising projects to improve public transport, but did not specify which ones nor how they would affect the new homes.

'Worst possible site in Edinburgh'

However, with construction due to begin on Monday, Liberal Democrat councillor Kevin Lang, who represents the ward Cammo Fields sits in, demanded “urgent action” from the council and the Scottish Government.

He said: “I still believe this is the worst possible site in Edinburgh for new housing.

Councillor Kevin Lang

“It risks creating traffic chaos, potentially adding over 1,000 car journeys a day to one of the busiest and most polluted junctions anywhere in the City.”

Cllr Lang added there had been no “serious” guarantees from the council on how to improve public transport to address the congestion at Barnton, despite more than seven months passing since planning consent was given.

He said: “The developers have taken a keen and positive interest in local transport problems.

“However, these issues need big thinking and urgent action by the Council and the Scottish Government.

“So far, there seems little evidence of either.”

'Consultation will continue'

A council spokesman said: “This development is part of planned expansion in the west of the city.

“The site was agreed as part of the existing Local Development Plan (LDP) and making sure we have the right transport infrastructure in place in an integral part of this.

“We’re working on a prioritisation of projects relating to the LDP in order to progress a range of infrastructure improvements.”

A spokesperson on behalf of the consortium building Cammo Fields said plans had gone through consultation prior to submission and added they appreciated the concerns around the impact on transport.

He said: “As we move towards starting development we will ensure that this consultation and communication continues.

“We’re fully appreciative of the concerns relating to traffic in and around the proposed development and we will put in place all possible measures to keep disruption to a minimum.

“One of the first actions will be setting up community notice boards on both Maybury Road and Cammo Walk, these boards will keep local and interested parties informed of all upcoming construction works.”