Masterplan infrastructure works at Gogar Station Road, Edinburgh

The site and its landscape

The masterplan included a seven-hectare town park, landscaped corridors, open spaces, woodland protection and the realignment of the Gogar Burn.

“A series of landscaped amenity corridors will link the new naturalised Gogar Burn corridor in the east of the site and existing woodland to the west. This will provide an enhanced and attractive route for both wildlife and people. The proposed realignment seeks to deculverting flows from the Bypass and Gyle culverts into a new open two stage channel.”

“The largest open space within the site is the proposed Town Park (7 hectares). This space is multi-functional with active uses such as an amphitheatre, play area, woodland planting, timber boardwalks, grassland areas, circular active travel routes, as well as providing additional flood storage for the Gogar Burn during 1: 200 rainfall events.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

The principle of development was established by planning permission in principle, whose conditions required the masterplan and tree protection information.

“Furthermore, condition 9 of 15/04318/PPP sets out: As part of the Masterplan requirement at Condition No 1 there shall be a full tree survey carried out across the entire application site. Thereafter those trees identified to be retained shall be appropriately protected during the construction period by the erection of fencing, in accordance with clause 2 of BS 5837:2012 "Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction".”

“Supporting information has been submitted in relation to the existing trees on site, namely an Arboriculturalist Impact Assessment, Tree Works Plans and Tree Protection Plan. The Council's Tree Officer is satisfied with the overall approach to tree removal, tree protection and the proposed mitigation planting and confirms that the overall design is positive for trees.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, concluding that the masterplan complied with national and local policies and had no overriding material considerations.

“Conclusion in relation to identified material considerations.”

“The proposal complies with NPF4 and City Plan 2030, as well as the non-statutory Edinburgh Design Guidance and West Edinburgh Place Framework. There are no other material considerations which outweigh this conclusion. It is therefore recommended that this application be granted.”

Officer report

Main planning benefits

The proposal was assessed as providing connected transport routes, biodiversity improvements, flood measures, affordable housing and a new primary school.

“A number of secondary streets span off the Primary Spine Street providing routes in and around development parcels. From there, tertiary lanes and pedestrian mews link between secondary routes to provide safe and accessible routes to new homes.”

“Affordable Housing Affordable housing has been covered in the Section 75 Legal Agreement. An Affordable Housing Statement has been submitted in support of the application which confirms that 32% of the total houses will be affordable.”

Officer report

Public comments

One objection raised concerns about the setting of East of Milburn Tower and the preservation of archaeological remains.

“One objection was received, and a summary is provided below:”

“− Negative impact on the setting of East of Milburn Tower - this has been addressed through 15/04318/PPP; − Concerns over no requirement for preservation in situ of archaeological remains archaeology is discussed above.”

Officer report

The decision

“Decision 7.2 - Hermiston Junction M8 (Land 1000 Metres NW SW And West Of) Proposal: Approval of matters specified in conditions in respect of condition 8 of 15/04318//PPP for infrastructure works – application no.”

Minutes, 19 Nov 2025