Massive Leith Docks waterfront scheme in Edinburgh gets green light

The City of Edinburgh Council has given outline planning permission for a development framework for Leith Docks, the largest planning application in Edinburgh's history. The framework, designed by RMJM for Forth Ports, will regenerate the area as part of the city's long term vision to transform Edinburgh's waterfront into a vibrant sustainable community and an internationally renowned leisure destination.

The scheme has seen its share of protest, with a group called JUMP (Joined Up Master Planning) launching a campaign to publicise a rival scheme last year.

The framework outlines the development of 9 new interconnected sustainable waterfront villages on 144 hectares of brownfield land, an area larger than Edinburgh's Georgian New Town. The main features of the framework include plans to create up to 15,200 new homes (including up to 3,800 affordable homes), 35 hectares of new open and civic space, public walkways and almost 3km of coastal boardwalk will become accessible for public use.

This approval establishes a foundation for an ongoing process that will shape the future form of Leith Docks. View corridors define 9 new waterfront villages, which will be masterplanned individually or in pairs by a range of masterplanners and architects over a 30 year period. The view corridors offer views to key landmarks in the city centre, including Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat, creating the structure for the framework and linking the waterfront to the city centre.