Housebuilder Mactaggart & Mickel originally submitted an application for the development of the site in August 2010 following more than six months of consultation and meetings with local residents and interest groups, Dalkeith and District Community Council, local councillors and politicians and local schools.
The decision to grant planning permission in principle means detailed applications can now be brought forward for the various elements of the development.
These include 10.61 acres of residential development, comprising in the region of 90 new homes, 25% of which will be designated as affordable housing, alongside small-scale commercial development.
Subject to the time needed to secure detailed planning permission, Mactaggart & Mickel hopes to be in a position to start work on the site early next year. The construction phase of the project is expected to support around 50 jobs.
The planning permission in principle is also accompanied by a legal agreement requiring defined contributions to be made towards enhanced education provision and town centre improvements in Dalkeith.
Mactaggart & Mickel strategic land manager Ken Hopkins said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Council has given the green light for these proposals to proceed to the detailed planning stage. The development should bring lasting benefits to the local community – in terms of housing, employment and amenity.
“We are very grateful for all contributions made to the earlier community engagement exercise, which have helped positively to shape our plans. There are a number of specific issues raised during that exercise, which we will be looking to address as part of the detailed planning process.
“We look forward to maintaining a positive ongoing dialogue with the local community as plans for the site take shape.”
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
