Developers amended plans to create a pend

Most of the Caltongate project was approved last month, but plans to demolish all but the fa�ade of some flats were questioned by councillors.

The "majority" of the front of the MacRae tenements previously earmarked for demolition will now be kept.

Now approved by councillors, the plans will go in front of Scottish Ministers.

The upper floors, chimney stacks and internal partitions of the building at 221-223 Canongate will remain with housing on three floors.

The overall height of the pend will also be reduced by about 30 centimetres, and will be finished in natural stone, rather than white concrete - which had drawn criticism.

Nick Berry, project director for Mountgrange, said: "We listened carefully to the councillors' concerns at the meeting on 6 February, and have actively sought to address the points they made.

"Obviously we are very pleased that the remaining application has now been approved.

"This has been a long process for everyone but I feel that the constructive way that so many people have approached the consultation process has made the scheme better."

An Edinburgh City Council spokeswoman said: "The remaining application was granted by the development management sub committee of the planning committee, subject to a handful of conditions."

The approved plans include 41 new affordable flats and 158 private homes for the site.