Permission Granted For Film Studio

4 April 2017, 06:43 | Updated: 4 April 2017, 10:37

We're a step closer to seeing a major film studio built on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Planning permission has been agreed in principal by the Scottish Government for the development near Straiton.

It had been referred there from Midlothian Council.

Developers say it could be up and running by the end of next year.

In a statement, developers PSL Land Ltd said: "PSL Land Ltd are very pleased with today's decision by Ministers to approve the grant of planning permission in principle for Scotland's world-class Film & TV studio complex, and will be moving forward immediately with the application for planning permission in detail for the Film Studio, Academy and Energy Centre sections of the development.

"Working together with Midlothian Council, PSL hope this next stage will be expedited accordingly, recovering the construction scheduling that will enable delivery of the key Studio operation by late 2018.

"It is anticipated that a detailed schedule to progress the planning application will be agreed with Midlothian Council in the next few weeks, producing a phased timeframe with the Studio, Academy and Energy Centre as the first buildings to be progressed to full planning consent."

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 planning report and issues raised in objections.

''We welcome the potential for significant socio-economic benefits on a local and national scale through job creation and economic development.''