‘Lego’ housing development backed by city council – Daily Business

Edinburgh councillors have approved a new housing development described by one objector as having “all the charm of Barlinnie prison”.

The development at Edinburgh Gateway, the site of the former Saica packaging facility in the west of the city, will see 957 homes built in a series of blocks.

Complaints about the site included comparisons to Communist East German housing. One expressed concern at the impact on local traffic at the Gogarburn interchange which already suffers from congestion.

Another observer described the scheme as being “like Plattenbau in East Berlin”, while another said it looked like Barlinnie, “only bigger”.

Social media specialist Fin Wycherley said: “Looks like we’re moving more and more into a prison state.” Peter Lederer, former managing director and chairman of Gleneagles Hotel added that it was “lazy, cheap architecture”.

Company director Greville Warwick described the scheme as: “Featureless Square blocks. A form of Lego architecture.”

Ian Tyler, an independent chair, non-executive director and senior adviser, said: “I suspect that even battery hens would refuse those lodgings!”

The council, which is prioritising more homes over other factors, decided the project on a 15.5 acre site by regeneration firm Summix Capital should go-ahead.

The scheme’s backers claim it is well-connected to public transport and retail opportunities but those living in the expanded West Craigs area have complained about traffic queues and a lack of shops in the area. Access to food stores requires driving to the Gyle which adds to the traffic problems.

Stuart Black, development director for Summix Capital, said: “The granting of this planning application for Edinburgh Gateway will create one of Scotland’s most exciting and best-connected neighbourhoods, representing a significant investment in the capital.”