Plans to revitalise Meadowbank into one of Edinburgh’s greenest neighbourhoods have been given the go-ahead.

Shaped in response to views shared by local residents the masterplan for Council-owned land at Meadowbank was approved by members of the Development Management Sub Committee.

Following the decision, the £100m project is expected to become the first development of its size in Edinburgh to promote the Council's net zero carbon by 2030 goals by creating a low-car, low-carbon community and energy efficient new homes.

The sustainable mixed-use development will also create jobs and a significant economic boost by regenerating a five-hectare area next to the new Meadowbank Sports Centre.

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Space for a new GP surgery and community and commercial uses, the protection of existing trees and planting of saplings plus new rain gardens also feature in landscaping designs, which aim to pay tribute to the area's sporting and industrial heritage.

The Masterplan has already been awarded Building with Nature accreditation from Nature Scot and the Scottish Government, setting the standard for high-quality low carbon features, and the Council has undertaken studies on the option for ‘green roofs’. The designs have also been endorsed by Sustrans’ Places for Everyone scheme, which brings specialised active travel knowledge to the project.

Councillor Neil Gardiner, Planning Convener, said: "As a planning authority, we need make sure we protect our Cit'’s beautiful and historic built environment, while supporting our communities to become sustainable for twenty-first century living. We also need to adapt our city to meet the needs of a growing population, address the increasing impact of climate change and ensure growth is responsible. These designs for Meadowbank meet these needs with plans for a truly low-carbon, low-car, energy efficient neighbourhood, featuring new affordable homes. This is a really important site for the City and I'd like to thank everyone who took time to participate in the consultation process."