A new canal basin is the centrepiece of a proposed new CALA Homes development at Ratho, Edinburgh.

The development, located at the heart of the conservation village, also features 100 private houses, 18 affordable homes and a 60-bed care home.

CALA Homes has joined forces with British Waterways Scotland to design the canal basin, which when complete, will feature up to 30 public berths and changing facilities, accessible from the Union canal, which runs from Edinburgh to The Falkirk Wheel.

The homes and canal basin are expected to inject significant investment into Ratho and the surrounding area through additional tourism spending and creation of jobs, whilst also helping to address the shortage of family homes including those on the Council waiting list.

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The first glimpse of the proposal by CALA Homes has been unveiled as CALA submits a planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council.

Derek Lawson, Land Director of CALA, said: "This project will provide a major boost to Ratho by providing a range of high-quality homes complemented by a stunning canal basin offering fantastic amenities for residents and visitors alike.

"Prior to submitting this planning application, we have engaged with the local community and worked closely with the council and British Waterways Scotland to design a scheme which is sensitive to the surrounding environment and meets the requirements of the city's local plan."

The site is allocated in the Rural West Edinburgh local plan for 100 houses and a marina Subject to planning, work could begin on the homes and canal basin at the end of this year with completion expected in summer 2009.

(GK/JM)