Plans for 142 new flats in the site of a derelict old people’s home look set to be approved by Edinburgh City Council.
The major new development in Almond would see the development of a host of new flats, associated roads, parking and green spaces. The site is currently the derelict building of Silverlea Residential Home on Muirhouse Parkway.
The new development would be a cluster of different flat blocks, varying in size from four to six stories tall. The plans were announced in 2020, with councillors Louise Young and Kevin Lang saying at the time that the new builds would be “100 percent affordable housing.”
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Now, according to a report to Wednesday's meeting of the Development Management Sub Committee of Edinburgh City Council, the project could go ahead. Despite some reservations of the development creeping into green belt land, council officers overall support the plans.
According to officers' report, the new development could prove a benefit to the public. While there are access issues with the current site, the proposal includes plans for creating pedestrian and cycle connections through the site.
According to the meeting’s report: “The proposals would preserve the setting of the assemblage of listed buildings at Nos.1-16 Salvesen Crescent. Therefore, the proposal complies with the adopted Edinburgh Local Development Plan Policy.
“In its entirety the proposed development is not in accordance with the Edinburgh Local Development Plan (LDP) given that part of the site includes development within the green belt.
“Notwithstanding, there are significant material considerations which outweigh the presumption against granting planning permission for development on the green belt and also the loss of an area of open space. The proposal is not a significant departure from Local Development Plan Env 10.
“Subject to the conditions of a grant of planning permission, there is no significant adverse impact on neighbouring amenity and the future occupiers of the residences will be afforded adequate residential amenity. The development is acceptable in transportation terms and the parking provision, including cycle parking, meets the council's standards.
"The proposals do not raise any issues in relation to identified material considerations. These material considerations therefore support the grant of planning permission."
Edinburgh councillors previously confirmed that Hart Builders would be the preferred bidder for the new contract.
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