Residents worst fears realised – 655 new homes near Barnton junction
Controversial plans to build more than 650 new homes near Edinburgh Airport have been approved by city councillors.
Opponents – including local politicians – say the development, which will be built on a green field site off Maybury Road near the busy Barnton roundabout, is “the worst possible place for a major new housing development”. They argue that the area is already struggling to cope with traffic levels and more housing can only put more pressure on both roads and local services.
Developers Cala Homes and David Wilson Homes argue that the Cammo Fields plan will bring “much-needed housing”.
Work on the site is expected to begin later this year and could take up to five years to complete – with all the added traffic disruption that will cause .
Local councillors have been vocal in their criticism of the plans.
In a post on their Facebook page, Lib Dem councillors Kevin Lang and Louise Young said: “We are sorry to say that SNP and Conservative members on the Planning Committee have voted to approve the building of 655 new homes on the Cammo fields.
“The Liberal Democrat councillor on the committee opposed the plan.
“Cllr Kevin Lang joined local MSP, Alex Cole-Hamilton to speak against the proposals at today’s hearing. It follows years of local LibDem campaigning against development of this site because of the impact on the already congested Barnton Junction and Queensferry Road.
“We are obviously frustrated that SNP and Conservative councillors have now approved this plan.
“Whilst this is a profoundly disappointing decision, we will continue our work to get the improvements needed. This includes major improvements to public transport, changes to the junction design and changes for cyclists and pedestrians.
“Getting all of this won’t be easy but we know we need to redouble our efforts given the SNP and Conservative’s approval of the housing plan today.”
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