New proposal to build 121 houses, care home and community facility

SIR David Murray's firm has revived plans for a massive development at Ratho Station - his third attempt to win planning approval for the project.

Blueprints for 200 houses, a care home and a community centre were turned down by council chiefs last year because it was thought they would infringe on the green belt and land earmarked for a new Royal Highland Showground. A second scaled down bid for 180 properties was also knocked back earlier this year.

But now the former Rangers chairman's property firm, Murray Estates has submitted dramatically watered down proposals for just 121 homes as well as a residential care home with land and funding provided to improve roads and erect a community facility.

Jestyn Davies, managing director at Murray Estates, said the firm still had the backing of village leaders and believed the revised application would be "more easily supported".

"We're very pleased that the local people have stuck by us on our plans for Ratho Station," she said.

"Residents definitely want to see their village regenerated and after nearly three years of engagement, we now feel we have an application that can be more easily supported."

The Royal Highland Agricultural Society Scotland (RHASS) had been planning to move across the road to a new facility at Norton Park, next door to the Murray site, as its existing site had been needed by Edinburgh Airport as part of its expansion plans. However, the airport has delayed its plans, and the RHASS expects to now stay on its current site until 2020.

Linda McBurnie, chair of the Ratho Station Residents' Association, expressed some dismay at the proposed reduction in new homes but said she hoped it would be a case of third time lucky.

"We were initially disappointed that Murray Estates had to reduce the number of homes because many of us feel that a critical mass of new people would benefit Ratho Station," she said. "However, we are pleased that the reduction in size means the Royal Highland Show can now set aside the previous reservations they had while we in the existing community can keep the majority of the associated community benefits originally proposed."

If the development gets the green light, Ratho's population could soar far beyond its estimated 650 residents. Currently there are just 280 homes in the village, which has few amenities. The application is expected to appear before planners within the next three months.