Go-ahead for film studio complex near Edinburgh
THE first-ever purpose-built film and TV studio for Scotland has been given the go-ahead in principle.
The decision overturns an earlier recommendation from a Scottish Government planning body
The decision overturns an earlier recommendation from a Scottish Government planning body that permission be refused.
The proposal for Pentland Studios was “called in” by Holyrood after the local authority failed to make a ruling on the application submitted in 2014.
Supporters claim the 100-acre site near Straiton will be up and running by the end of next year and will feature six massive sound studios. It is hoped it will attract film-makers from around the world.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The intention to grant planning permission in principle for the -Pentlands development, subject to conditions and a planning obligation, has been made after careful consideration of the issues raised.
“We welcome the potential for significant socio-economic benefits on a local and national scale through job creation and economic development.”
The planning permission from the site at Straiton has been granted with conditions, including a requirement for the developer, PSL Land, to make contributions towards the financing of local roads.
Supporters claim the 100-acre site near Straiton will be up and running by the end of next year
In a statement yesterday, PSL Land said it was “very pleased” with the decision and would move forward immediately with an application for planning permission in detail.
Scottish ministers have defied their own planning advice
Scottish Tory culture spokesman Jackson Carlaw MSP said: “Having dragged their feet for months, I’m delighted that the Scottish Government has seen sense and decided to give this project the go-ahead.”
But Green MSP Andy Wightman said: “It’s important that Scotland has a film studio and it’s a campaign that Greens fully support. However, this is the wrong place for it.
“Scottish ministers have defied their own planning advice and, although planning permission has not yet been granted, it looks like they are desperate to approve a proposal that is misconceived and involves the eviction of a smallholder against his will.
“There are many more locations throughout Lothian that would have better suited to this development.”