The firm’s Edinburgh office will work closely with Crosswind Developments Ltd to finalise proposals for the mixed-use development in this gateway location near Scotland’s busiest airport.

This 100-acre development site has become available following the closure of the airport’s little-used secondary ‘crosswind’ runway.

Lichfields said its appointment highlights the progress which is being made on the project, with the development team hoping to submit an initial planning application next year.

As planning advisors, the firm will initially be advising on the masterplan process, planning policy position and will also be providing socio-economic analysis of the masterplan and in time will be advising on Environmental Impact and future planning applications.

Nicola Woodward, Lichfields’ Edinburgh office leader, said: “This is a fantastic project and we are delighted to have been appointed as planning advisors on one of Scotland’s most impressive emerging developments.

“It is now three years since Lichfields established a base in the Scotland and we continue to deliver on the ambitious targets we set ourselves.

“Our brief is to help develop a coherent planning case for a variety of land-uses on the site.   This is a fantastic opportunity to help support a major, job-boosting development on the edge of the city alongside the other west Edinburgh development commitments.”

Lichfields will be working to ensure the site masterplan dovetails with emerging City of Council Edinburgh development plans and planning policy emerging from the Scottish Government.

John Watson, chief executive of Crosswind Developments Ltd, said: “The Crosswinds project is part of Edinburgh’s exciting future. It will help to reinvigorate this part of the city, creating and supporting jobs, providing community facilities and investing in vital infrastructure.

“The experience and expertise that Lichfields have demonstrated in planning will support our efforts to include the needs of government, the council, other local developments and most importantly the communities we will be expanding.”

To the south of the site there is the potential for office, residential and hotel developments, whilst further north - closer to the operational side of the airport - logistics and industrial space is being considered.

The earmarked site stretches from south-east of the passenger terminal towards the Gogar roundabout on the A8.