The proposal for Planning Permission in Principle (PPiP) for ‘Riccarton Mains Village’, will provide additional accommodation for both university students and new residents in an independent village setting. It will also go some way to addressing the shortfall in the city’s five-year housing land supply, delivering much-needed housing.

If approved Riccarton Mains Village will comprise of a residential development, including affordable housing provision; a university halls of residence and also community facilities in the form of a community centre, small supermarket and a variety of services, including a potential new GP surgery.

The 12 hectare site is one of the most sustainable locations in Edinburgh, benefiting from a range of nearby transport links. It is located in close proximity to existing bus and rail services and can be reached using existing and planned footway links, reducing the impact on the local road network.

H&H Group plc acquired the land as part of its takeover of John Swan & Son plc in October 2015.

Riccarton Mains Village will provide 200 houses, offering a range of dwelling types with a 25 per cent allocation for affordable housing. House design will respect the rural character of the area, be of the highest quality and use renewable energy techniques at every opportunity.

The proposal will also seek to develop purpose-built student accommodation of around 200 flats which will help free up housing stock within the city. The halls of residence will be located on the western portion of the site, closest to the university’s edge.

A new village centre will also be created which will provide a focus and amenity space for the village, including new community facilities.

The location of the site also gives pedestrians and cyclists opportunities to use the pedestrian and cycling networks in the area, connecting to existing paths and the existing core path network. Pedestrians can also enjoy the many walkways within Heriot Watt Campus which are rich in wildlife, woodland, flora and fauna.

The site is close to Heriot Watt Research Park and the Oriam Centre sports performance facility. A 160 bed hotel on campus was also granted planning permission in August 2016 and there are plans for a potential film studio in the grounds of Heriot-Watt University.

Commenting on the proposals, Brian Richardson chief executive of H&H Group plc, said: “We are delighted to be lodging a planning application for Riccarton Mains Village. This development is in one of the most sustainable locations in Edinburgh and is well connected for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as being well-served by public transport, reducing the impact on the local road network.

“Development will also further serve to deliver much-needed housing, as well as providing student accommodation, freeing up housing stock within the city.

“We are also pleased to be bringing forward community facilities, including the potential for a new GP surgery which was one of the key issues raised at the consultation events we held.”