£1bn estate of 3,000 homes set for former Edinburgh Airport runway

Plans for a major estate on the site of a former Edinburgh Airport runway have been recommended for approval.

Crosswind Developments will oversee the construction of around 3,000 properties and tens of thousands of square metres of commercial space in West Edinburgh as part of a neighbourhood that developers promise will offer a “perfect blend of life, work, learning, and nature”.

Initial proposals for the development, named Elements Edinburgh, were submitted to the council in 2020, but were rejected by Scottish ministers.

The development includes a mixture of one, two, and three-bedroom flats and townhouses. Charlottestreetpartners

A revised planning application, originally lodged in February, has been recommended for approval by the local authority’s chief planning officer who concluded that the vision would be deemed “acceptable in principle”.

Crosswind Developments plans to build up to 3,005 flats, as well 50,000 square metres of commercial space, including 5,300 square metres of retail, restaurants, and leisure floorspace.

The development includes a mixture of one-, two-, and three-bedroom flats and townhouses and will also include a primary school with early years provision, open space and landscaping, and approximately 1,000 car parking spaces.

Around 1,000 properties would be affordable housing, with Crosswind exploring options with registered social landlords. It comes after a housing emergency was declared in the city in November 2023.

The plans are set to align closely with Edinburgh’s City Plan 2030. charlottestreetpartners via Supplied

David Kelman, project director at Crosswind Developments, said: “We are pleased to be moving forward with this transformative project, which aligns closely with Edinburgh’s City Plan 2030.

“Our vision is to create a sustainable, inclusive community that enhances West Edinburgh and benefits future generations. We are hopeful that the subcommittee will support our proposals, and we look forward to working collaboratively with the council to advance our shared ambition for the city.”

The subcommittee will consider the proposals at its meeting on Wednesday, December 18, when there will be the opportunity to hear representations from interested groups.