Edinburgh Officials Recommend 3,000 Homes on Former Airport Runway

City council officials have recommended a proposal for a 3,000-home development in west Edinburgh for approval. Should it gain approval, this new community is planned for construction on a 29-hectare brownfield site, formerly a runway for Edinburgh Airport, as part of a £1bn city development. Crosswind Developments’ proposed project, named Elements Edinburgh, would feature a combination of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, alongside office facilities, retail outlets, a school, active travel pathways, and a green urban park. Councillors on the City of Edinburgh Council’s development management sub-committee are scheduled to make the final decision on 18 December. The plans for Elements Edinburgh were submitted in February, only a few months after the local authority became the first city council in Scotland to declare a “housing emergency.” Crosswind Developments’ plans indicate that over 1,000 of the planned properties would be designated as affordable housing, aiming to alleviate housing pressure within the city. The site for the proposed development is situated close to the residential districts of Cammo, East Craigs, and South Gyle, and is less than 300m from Edinburgh Gateway station, which provides access to train and tram services. The developers aim to establish a “car-lite” neighborhood, incorporating approximately 9km (five miles) of dedicated walking and cycling routes to “reflect the increased opportunities for those who live and work here.” Additionally, the development will include open spaces and leisure amenities for play, recreation, and sport, such as a 4.5-hectare urban park. Developers stated that 46% of the site will be allocated for green space. The plans indicate that this area will link with broader green and blue networks, intended to mitigate flooding and foster the growth of plants and wildlife. It is understood that the residences will be entirely powered by renewable energy, with the objective of achieving zero household carbon dioxide emissions. This initiative follows the city’s prioritization of sustainability, as Edinburgh’s council has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2030. David Kelman, project director at Crosswind Developments, commented: “We are pleased to be moving forward with this transformative project, which aligns closely with Edinburgh’s City Plan 2030.” He added, “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.”