TW: Spring Start Looking Unlikely
Latest update shows developer no closer to signing landmark agreement
Taylor Wimpey’s Greenlaw Mill development is still awaiting formal permission, 55 weeks after the council “granted” plans to build 458 homes in northwest Penicuik.
In the latest update from the housing developer, reassurances have been given that discussions are still ongoing to sign a legal agreement to allow them to start construction onsite.
Very little has changed since we reported on the issue last month with Pauline Mills, Land and Planning Director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland saying:
We continue to be fully committed to our development at Greenlaw Mill in Penicuik, and our discussions with Midlothian Council in order to agree our Section 75 obligations continue to make good progress.
We appreciate the local community is keen to have an update and to see some activity on the site. However due to the complex nature of our discussions, we are still unable to confirm a fixed timetable of when the agreement will be concluded.
Once signed, the section 75 legal agreement will decide how much money Taylor Wimpey contributes to local infrastructure and education improvements. However works are unable to commence on the expanse of land, north of Greenlaw Mains One, until this is signed, and even after this building warrants will still need to be granted.
A council committee member told a planning meeting that problems with the new A702 roundabout are holding up the proceedings, not just for Greenlaw Mill but also for the planned Cala Homes at Deanburn. It is believed that land ownership related issues are delaying the developer from signing, as contributions cannot be decided on.
The delivery of these new houses at Greenlaw Mill have inspired Midlothian Council to commence a consultation into the primary school catchment zones but TW says it has nothing to do with them:
We are aware of discussions taking place locally in relation to school catchment areas, however these do not form part of our negotiations with the local authority. We therefore cannot make specific comment in relation to this issue.
They refused to comment on how much they would contribute to the local education sector.
The wait now continues, and for many neighbours of the desolate ‘construction’ site, it is becoming increasingly frustrating that the previously open greenland has now been closed off in a poor state since last August.
As usual, you can keep up to date on our Facebook page or stay tuned here for more. To relive the story from the start visit our Taylor Wimpey section by clicking here.
