Plans to build four blocks of flats on a derelict site on Leith waterfront have been approved by councillors '“ despite concerns over the design of an affordable housing block.

S1 Developments has secured planning permission to build 245 flats, branded “Skyliner”, at Ocean Drive on the edge of Albert Dock. The flats will be built in four blocks ranging from seven to 13 stories high and will include 61 affordable homes – with 50 of them taking up one of the entire blocks.

The city council’s development management sub-committee backed the proposals – putting aside concerns from environment protection that poor air quality from the docks could have a “significant adverse affect” on the health of residents.

The development will include 154 underground car parking spaces including 27 electric car charging points and 320 cycle spaces – despite Cllr Chas Booth asking for the proposals to increase the number of bike spaces to meet the council’s policy.

Proposed 'Skyliner' development for Leith

The Skyliner development will be built across the road from CALA Homes’ Waterfront Plaza scheme, which in August received the green light for 388 homes.

Council planning officers labelled the Skyline development “an exciting opportunity for the area” and said it was an “acceptable scale, height and density”.

Councillors raised concerns that the social housing block will look different to the rest of the scheme. Officers said “high quality building materials” would be used, but residents will not have balconies.

Cllr Hal Osler said: “I do have reservations about the social housing. I think they have probably done the best they can. It’s not perfect but at least it goes some way to addressing the issues.

“It puts housing in an area that’s particularly barren at the moment.”

The new development would provide easy access to the proposed extension of the tram line to Newhaven, subject to the approval of the council.

Cllr Joanna Mowat added: “This is a substantial amount of housing in a city that’s crying out for housing.

Edinburgh councillors approve Leith waterfront flats despite design concerns