Proposal for 1350 new homes in Edinburgh approved

Plans to deliver 1350 new homes in west Edinburgh have been approved by the Scottish Government.

The first phase of the Garden District development proposed by Murray Estates, the family property business of former Rangers chairman Sir David Murray’s, has been given the green light by ministers.

Of the 1350 homes, 330 will be affordable, while the development is also set to provide a new primary school, neighbourhood centre, convenience retailing and 40-acre park for the community.

The plans will now be subject to detailed planning from City of Edinburgh Council.

David D Murray is the managing director of Murray Capital Group, parent company of Murray Estates, and son of Sir David Murray.

He said “shovel-ready projects” like this will offer a £450m investment in the Scottish economy.

Mr Murray said: “The country’s entire focus is, quite rightly, on tackling the immediate health and economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“However, as the health emergency subsides, the scale of the economic one will become clearer and attention turns to how we address that.

“Shovel-ready projects like the first phase of the Garden District development, which represents a £450m investment in the Scottish economy, will be key to supporting the longer-term economic and societal recovery. The decision is perfectly timed in that regard.

“We are delighted to have the Scottish Government’s support, and look forward to working with them and others as Murray Capital continues to invest in Scottish enterprises and major projects.”

Jestyn Davies, managing director of Murray Estates, added: “We are delighted to be delivering much needed and high quality housing for Edinburgh and will begin work on the site infrastructure once we have secured detailed planning and it is safe to do so.”