Plans for the regeneration of Edinburgh's Leith Docks have been given the go-ahead by City of Edinburgh Council. The council awarded outline planning permission for the £700m mixed-use scheme, which is reportedly the largest planning application in Edinburgh's history.

The project is part of a 30-year vision to transform the city's waterfront into a sustainable community and leisure destination.

The framework, designed by international architects RMJM in collaboration with developers Forth Port, will now be referred to the Scottish Government for consideration.

In the meantime the developers will produce, with design firm RTKL, a detailed masterplan for the heart of the development, which includes two of nine interconnected waterfront villages featured in the approved plans.

The villages will be built on 144 hectares (355 acres) of brownfield land, which will ultimately provide 15,200 new homes as well as 35 hectares (86-acres) of new open spaces, parks, civic spaces and public pathways.

There will also be a 3km coastal boardwalk and areas for events and festivals as well as retail, leisure and community facilities, which could include a new swimming pool, sports hall, pitches and a skatepark.

Group chief executive, Charles Hammond, said: "This huge step forward for both our regeneration plans and the City of Edinburgh. It will have a positive impact on the wider Scottish economy over the next 30 years and beyond.

"As well as creating a vibrant and accessible waterfront for the people of Edinburgh, the project will allow the city to meet its future housing requirements and create a strong platform for sustained growth."

Forth Port plans to use this approval as a platform to explore public and private financing options, including the submission to the Scottish Government for a joint initiative for infrastructure funding.

Forth Ports intends to submit the latest masterplan later this year.