THE first homes to be created as part of a £200 million regeneration of the former brewery site at Fountainbridge have been given the go-ahead.

Three blocks of flats up to six stories high will be created, encompassing around 219 flats, as well as basement parking and public courtyards.

One of the blocks has been designed to cater for the elderly, and will have 20 affordable flats, including two large ground-floor disabled apartments.

The proposals are the first stage of housing for the new development, which will see the creation of around 650 homes, as well as 160,000 sq ft of office space and a hotel or student flats complex.

The scheme will see both sides of the former Fountain brewery site redeveloped, creating a new district called Springside.

In a report to councillors, head of planning Alan Henderson said the development would provide a "high-quality townscape that is typically Edinburgh but with an exciting contemporary twist".

The plans were approved by the planning committee yesterday.