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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
John Paul Clark

Edinburgh set for new mega housing estate - despite outrage from locals

Edinburgh is set for a new 132 housing development - despite local fears over traffic congestion.

The City of Edinburgh Council approved the proposal from Taylor Wimpey on Wednesday December 22.

READ MORE: West Lothian's 'ghost town' residents prepare to leave abandoned estate

The proposal for the site, at Ratho Station, near Glasgow Road, were first submitted to the council five years ago.

However, the plans have had to be revised at various junctures due to locals fears over traffic congestion in the area.

The development will be located on a stretch of land that is currently used for informal recreation purposes by the local community.

In total 132 residential units will be built, including four flatted blocks, terraces, semi-detached and detached new homes.

There will be 96 houses and 36 apartments, with the dwelling ranging from two to five bedroom options.

Ratho Station has a population of around 600 people and is approximately 7 miles west of Edinburgh city centre and is situated predominantly on the south side of the A8 trunk road, directly opposite Edinburgh Airport and the Royal Highland Showground.

When granting permission for the site the City of Edinburgh Council stated that they only granted consent because two road access options had been created.

The formation of vehicular accesses to the A8 Glasgow Road and Hillwood Rise is hoped to allay local fears over traffic after over 50 objected on the planning proposal.

One said: “The implications of extra traffic using Ratho Station as an access to this development are impractical to say the least. Peoples life are in danger in its current state and adding to this would be ridiculous.

“Access for emergency services at the top end of Hillwood Terrace and Hillwood Rise are limited as it is, and further traffic can only increase these issues.

“The Scotmid at the entrance to Hillwood Road is already causing mayhem with parking on double yellow lines and as this is the only local amenity for shopping, the situation will only get worse.”

Another added: “I welcome the new houses being built but I object to the access road through Hillwood Rise as I have kids that play outside with there friends and its busy enough with cars without more cars coming through and parking is at a premium. Its not getting used as a rat run we already have lots of issues with pot holes without more pressure to the street.”

A spokesperson for Edinburgh council says the design is suitable and appropriate for the city.

They said: “The application for full planning permission (as revised) proposes 132 dwellings and complies with the Local Development Plan proposal HSG 5 to deliver housing on this site.

“The proposal meets with many of the aspirations of the West Edinburgh Strategic Design Framework. The overall design is of an appropriate standard providing much needed mixed style of housing with affordable housing provision for the city.

“Amenity issues for existing and future residents have been addressed through the supporting statements and appropriate mitigation can be achieved on site.”

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