Planning permission granted for Allan Murray-designed £70m scheme for 200 canal-side houses.

Planning permission has been granted for a £70m canal development in Edinburgh's Fountainbridge.

The scheme has been developed by Buredi - a joint venture between the Burrell Company and EDI Group.

Allan Murray Architects drew up the plans for the development, which will include 200 canal-side houses and will be centred around a new tree-lined pedestrian boulevard called Freer Street.

The development promises to transform the former industrial area, which was previously the site of a brewery.

Pedestrian and cycle routes are planned, alongside a public courtyard garden, a mix of family and city-style homes and underground car parking for 120 vehicles.

Fountainbridge is situated next to the commercial and transport hubs of the Exchange District and the Haymarket.

Work is expected to start on the site at the end of the year with the first units being released for sale in early 2008.

Andrew Burrell, managing director of the Burrell Company, said the site had been "ripe for development" for years.

"It is a superb location, offering easy access in and out of the city, and the redevelopment of the wider district will make it an extremely attractive area to people who would like a city-centre home."