Work to start on £1bn development in Winchburgh
Work is due to get under way in West Lothian later this year on one of the UK's biggest developments.
The £1bn scheme at Winchburgh, eight miles outside Edinburgh, has been 10 years in the planning.
The masterplan includes about 3,500 new homes, five new schools, a town centre, town park, retail facilities and a commercial park, as well as associated rail and road infrastructure.
The first stage of the development should begin in August.
The housebuilders, Barratt Homes and Miller Homes, have signed up to build the first 177 properties and so long as detailed planning permission is granted, will begin work later this summer.
Urban regeneration specialist Sigma has led planning and commercial negotiations on behalf of the developer, Regenco Trading.
Graham Barnet, chief executive of Sigma, said: "The granting of planning permission in principle by West Lothian Council for the Winchburgh Development masterplan unlocks the development of this substantial site.
"We are delighted to have reached this landmark and will be supporting the next stage, which involves the early delivery of 177 new homes."
Steve Field, West Lothian Council's head of planning and economic development, said: "The signing of the Section 75 agreement marks an important step in the development of Winchburgh and the surrounding communities.
"This is one of the country's most prestigious and important developments and we believe that it will both enhance and improve the local community.
"We have one of the youngest and fastest growing populations in Scotland, a business friendly community and a track record in attracting inward investors. This is yet another landmark development for the area, and we are absolutely delighted that this stage in the process has been reached."