New homes plans approved for scheme near Edinburgh

Initial planning consent has been given for Barratt Homes and Miller Homes to build a wide selection of new homes in Winchburgh near Edinburgh, as part of a major mixed-use project.

Development on the first 177 new homes is scheduled to start in August, subject to detailed planning consent being awarded by West Lothian Council.

Planning for the scheme initially started over a decade ago, with negotiations, led by urban regeneration specialist Sigma, taking about two years to agree.

The Winchburgh development, located eight miles from Edinburgh, covers about 870 acres, making it one of the UK's single largest residential-led mixed-use developments, worth an estimated £1bn in total.

According to the masterplan, approximately 3,500 new homes will eventually be built, including affordable homes, along with new schools, a town centre, town park, retail facilities and a commercial park, as well as associated rail and road infrastructure, including a new motorway junction, train station and park & ride facilities.

Graham Barnet of Sigma commented: "The granting of planning permission in principle by West Lothian Council for the Winchburgh development masterplan unlocks the development of this substantial site. We are delighted to have reached this landmark and will be supporting the next stage, which involves the early delivery of 177 new homes."