A planning committee has called for a hearing to assess in more detail a proposed 388-home Edinburgh development.
The decision to defer a decision on Waterfront Plaza by CALA Homes (East) received the backing of the committee after being suggested by Councillor Chas Booth and called for by Councillor Gordon Munro.
CALA said that despite a recommendation for refusal due to a long-standing status on various local development plans that the site should be commercial-led, research was presented concluding there was no tangible evidence of demand for large-scale commercial units.
Instead, the case was made to address the shortfall of homes across the local housing market while providing an “attractive public realm to link Ocean Terminal with the Shore”.
Ahead of the committee, Lord Provost Frank Ross called for “common sense to prevail” and urged “these houses to be built, not only to provide much needed homes but a boost to Ocean Terminal”.
Craig Lynes, land director at CALA Homes (East) said, “We are very pleased that the committee recognised the importance and complexity of this site and the opportunity to deliver new homes along with considered commercial opportunities.
“Not only will Waterfront Plaza provide a welcome boost to housing supply across a wide segment of the local market, but by incorporating traditional colony-style homes, townhouses and flats with large public spaces, it will create a welcoming and entirely appropriate neighbourhood.”
The outcome is now likely to be decided at a hearing, due to take place on 13 December.
Located on disused land opposite Ocean Terminal, CALA Homes (East) amended its original plans to include commercial opportunities, similar to the “Arches” development at Market Street, Waverley.
The development will comprise 388 homes, including 97 affordable homes, and will include around 1500 square metres of small ‘workspace’ units, offering a range of potential uses including shops, cafes and offices suited to start-ups.
