An appeal by Miller Homes against a decision to reject its plans for 86 new homes at a greenbelt site in Edinburgh has been thrown out.

The Scottish Government’s Reporter upheld the decision of the City of Edinburgh Council to refuse developer’s proposals for an area known as Winton East.

The appeal came after original plans, which brought more than 100 letters of objection from residents, were refused by the council in December 2017.

Miller had proposed building 64 private and 22 affordable homes on the 4.5 hectare site, however local residents raised concerns the housing would alter the character of the area.

Reporter Elspeth Cook said: “The appeal site is not an allocated housing site and is located in the greenbelt out-with the settlement boundary for Edinburgh.

“The appeal site however is located in an important area of open countryside that contributes to the effectiveness of the greenbelt, the quality of the special landscape area, the character and appearance of the Morton Mains conservation area and the historic setting of the adjacent listed buildings.

“I find that the proposed development would have an unacceptable and adverse impact on these features.

“I conclude that the proposed development does not accord overall with the relevant provisions of the development plan and that there are no material considerations which would still justify granting planning permission.”

Jason Rust, councillor for Fairmilehead ward, said the decision was a victory for the community.

He said: “I am delighted the reporter has upheld the refusal and development here has been rejected.

“It is made clear in the determination the site is not an allocated housing site and is located in the greenbelt out-with the settlement boundary for Edinburgh where housing is not supported by planning policy.”