The developers behind the Shawfair urban expansion near Edinburgh have reached another major milestone with the completion of new deal with national homebuilder Dandara.

The six acre site is just south of Newton Village in the heart of Shawfair, and will serve as the southern gateway for the town centre and the existing railway station.

Subject to a successful planning application now lodged with Midlothian Council, Dandara will join Bellway, Mactaggart & Mickel Homes and Miller Homes in constructing around 75 properties, including a percentage of affordable homes, within Shawfair. Planning consent is expected in autumn this year, with work on site commencing thereafter.

Nick Waugh, director at Shawfair LLP, said: “We continue to make excellent progress at Shawfair and are delighted to welcome Dandara to our new town. They are a growing presence in Scotland and have earned a reputation for quality, which is already a hallmark of this area.

“This site is of particular importance as the gateway to the core development block, and the architectural design, landscaping and quality of finish will exemplify the look and feel of our new community.

“All three existing housebuilders at Shawfair are reporting strong sales, with house purchasers attracted by healthy rural living, excellent transport connections and superb value for money.”

Niall MacLeod, director at Dandara, said: “We are delighted to have secured this prominent, well-located site and look forward to working with the Shawfair LLP team to bring our brand of quality housing to Shawfair.”

The new town of Shawfair will have ultimately have 4,000 homes, new schools, community facilities and a new town centre around the existing Shawfair railway station, in a development that is set to secure 6,500 new jobs.

The site is an allocated development site, under the adopted Midlothian Local Development Plan and has outline consent for residential use.