Homes plan near Edinburgh City Bypass to be thrown out

The proposals by Miller Homes for 86 homes on agricultural land known as Winton East prompted over 100 letters of objection.

And now officials have recommended the application be refused next week.

The site is in a conservation area and attempts to have it zoned for housing in the Local Development Plan (LDP) were rejected.

Norman Tinlin, secretary of Fairmilehead community council, welcomed the recommendation, which is expected to be accepted by the council’s development management sub-committee on Wednesday.

“Residents are delighted,” he said. “However, we know Miller have been working behind the scenes on the assumption it was going to be refused and they are intending to take it to appeal.

“But there have already been two applications thrown out and they didn’t manage to get it included for housing in the LDP, so we are hoping any appeal would be rejected.

“It’s green belt, it’s in a conservation area and it’s not zoned for housing in the LDP.”

Residents warned of increased traffic if the application was approved and said the development would have an impact on the character of the area.

The proposal is for 64 private and 22 affordable homes on the 4.5 hectare site with access via Winton Gardens.

But the report by planners said the development would have a detrimental impact on the Morton Mains conservation area and an adverse effect on air quality.

Colinton/Fairmilehead Conservative councillor Jason Rust said: “I am delighted this application is recommended for refusal and trust that will be ratified by the committee next week.

“The site is on green belt, would impact on the conservation area and the proposed development was completely unsuited for a range of practical purposes as well as on policy grounds. Local residents are very pleased but obviously, given the history of the site, mindful of potential appeal.”

Miller has said the proposed development was a logical extension to the established housing area already there and was ideally located for new family housing.

Arthur Mann, head of strategic land at Miller Homes, said they were disappointed by the recommendation to refuse the application.

He said: “The proposals, which have been well considered and would comprise a range of three and four bedroom family homes, would make an important contribution to local housing need as well as delivering much needed affordable homes in conjunction with local housing associations.

“We hope these benefits are recognised and we await the outcome of the committee meeting on Wednesday.”