January 26 2009

Plans for a £100m new town on the outskirts of Edinburgh have been thrown into disarray after the lead developer, Miller Group, exercised their “get out” clause.

Miller feels that speculative construction of the town on the former Monktonhall Colliery site in Midlothian does not make financial sense with the housing market gone pear shaped.

Shawfair has been on the cards for some 12 years now after the council bought some 500 acres of mainly agricultural land between Shawfair, Danderhall and Greendykes.  Further delays are now expected as Edinburgh City and Midlothian council’s assess their position.  

Councillors are resigned to further delays but are keen to press ahead with the affordable housing element of the scheme.

A masterplan for the area had called for 5,000 homes, two schools, two office parks, an industrial estate and public transport links, including a new train station.

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