Planners to decide on fate of development to 'save' village

A CONTROVERSIAL development which campaigners say holds the key to the future of Newbridge will finally go before city planners this week.

The proposals, by Ediston Properties, would see 490 houses created on industrial land at Newbridge, including the former Continental tyre factory.

Under an agreement with the local community the developers would also create a residential care home, community facilities, an energy centre, shops and play facilities, all of which campaigners believe would help revitalise Newbridge.

In particular, they see the development as crucial to ensuring the future of Hillwood Primary School, with the likely influx of families expected to take the school from 50 to 90 per cent capacity.

The local community has given its full backing along with local MP John Barrett and Margaret Smith MSP.

Paul Douglas, chairman of the Ratho and District Community Council, said: "The village is dying, it's stagnating, and we need to change that.

"If this development does not go ahead, then eventually Newbridge will die. There is no other land where new houses can be built, and without new homes there will be no future for the village."

While the brownfield site is earmarked in the local plan for industrial use, there has been no reported interest from businesses since the Continental factory closed in 1999.

There have been several objections to the proposed development, however, from business groups which claim the land should be used for industry.

The Freight Transport Association said it was "extremely concerned" at the proposal, as it felt a residential development would lead to problems for well-established companies near the site, due to noise complaints.

Scottish Enterprise has also objected, as it considers the site to be nationally important for economic development.

Vitasheet Group, a company which manufactures engineered plastic sheets claims the development would ultimately lead to the closure of its site , and the loss of 78 jobs.

Alex McTear, operations manager for the company, said: "I find it very strange that land which is ideally suited for employment and is in an excellent location for industrial use should even be considered for housing."

Planning officials have made no recommendation on the development, but have raised concerns about it lying in the flight path of Edinburgh Airport.

The developers have agreed that all homes will include acoustic insulation to BAA standards.

Danny O'Neill, director of Ediston Properties said: "At present this site contributes nothing to the social and economic wellbeing of Newbridge. We believe our proposals will revitalise Newbridge."

A decision is expected to be made by the council's planning committee on Wednesday.