![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dailybusinessgroup.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Summix-development-at-Maybury.png\")
Edinburgh councillors have approved a new housing development described by one objector as having \u201call the charm of Barlinnie prison\u201d.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Another observer described the scheme as being \u201clike Plattenbau in East Berlin\u201d, while another said it looked like Barlinnie, \u201conly bigger\u201d.<\/p>\n
Social media specialist Fin Wycherley said: \u201cLooks like we\u2019re moving more and more into a prison state.\u201d Peter Lederer, former managing director and chairman of Gleneagles Hotel added that it was \u201clazy, cheap architecture\u201d. <\/p>\n
Company director Greville Warwick described the scheme as: \u201cFeatureless Square blocks. A form of Lego architecture.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ian Tyler, an independent chair, non-executive director and senior adviser, said: \u201cI suspect that even battery hens would refuse those lodgings!\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The scheme\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Stuart Black, development director for Summix Capital, said: \u201cThe granting of this planning application for Edinburgh Gateway will create one of Scotland\u2019s most exciting and best-connected neighbourhoods, representing a significant investment in the capital.\u201d<\/p>\n \t <\/div>\n![\"Summix](\"https:\/\/dailybusinessgroup.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Summix-scheme-at-Gogarburn.png\")