Plans for Edinburgh’s first ‘store on stilts’ have been submitted to City of Edinburgh Council following a consultation period which showed strong local backing.

The proposal by developer Morbaine Ltd could see an 80,000 sq ft store built on the disused site of a former B&Q on Inglis Green Road, Longstone.

The store would be on two levels – with a secure, weatherproof car park on the ground level and the retail floor at first floor level linked by moving ramps, or ‘travelators’. The indicative design incorporates high quality modern features, including a ‘wall of glass’ on its main frontage.

Meanwhile, demolition of old industrial units behind the former B&Q will allow a landscaped walkway along the Water of Leith to be created.

The proposals will now be assessed by council officers before going before members of the planning committee later this year. Members of the public can comment on the application in writing via the council’s website or by post.

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Morbaine director Alex Brodie said around 150 people attended a two-day public exhibition on the plans in April

He said: “The feedback we’ve received on the plans has been overwhelmingly supportive, with nearly 90% who completed our questionnaire saying the proposed store would meet a need for more choice in the area.

“Nearly all visitors said the area needed the 400 full and part-time jobs the project will create and agreed that the regeneration of the B&Q site would be beneficial. Many people also commented how much they liked the innovative modern design of the store.

“Something we heard loud and clear was the need to ensure the store did not worsen traffic problems on Inglis Green Road.

“I’d like to reassure residents that we have been working with professional highways consultants and the council on a solution, which will see entry and exit to the store controlled by traffic lights to bring some order to a road which many people told us can be congested at peak times.

“We’re also ensuring that the store is easily accessible for those travelling on foot, by bike or on public transport.”

Although a retailer has not yet been selected, several national supermarket operators have expressed interest in the site. Morbaine will continue to own the land after any store is built, with the retailer leasing the premises from Morbaine.

(GK)