Plans for the first phase of a controversial £1bn "garden district" on Edinburgh's green belt have been approved.

Former Rangers owner Sir David Murray is behind the blueprint at Gogar, between the city bypass and the RBS headquarters.

Up to 1350 houses, a new primary school, shopping complex and community facilities will be created in the first phase.

The wider Murray Estates project features plans for 6000 houses and leisure facilities on the 675-acre site.

Councillors voted 35 to 17 in favour of the first phase after a heated debate in Edinburgh City Chambers on Thursday.

Members of the Green party argued the scheme was unnecessary and would "rip up" the greenbelt.

Green councillor Steve Burgess, who put forward an amendment to reject the proposals, said: "I am deeply disappointed that the council agreed to wave this application through, despite very significant reasons for refusal on transport, on the environment and on the integrity of the planning system.

"It is very clear that the development will increase car use, congestion and air pollution. It is clear that cyclists' and pedestrians' needs have been ignored.

"And the development sacrifices a green belt which has served the city for over half a century."

He added the development would not cater for the city's affordable housing needs in "well-connected places".

The first phase of the project was approved by members of the council's development and management committee last month, however it required full council approval.

The proposals, which had been recommended for refusal by council planning officers, will now be referred to the Scottish Government for final ratification.

Jestyn Davies, managing director of Murray Estates, said: "We are obviously delighted that the council has given such overwhelming backing for our vision for the Garden District.

"We are keen to progress the delivery of new homes, and hope to be on site in the near future.

"Right from the beginning, our plan was to set out and create a genuinely world class extension of the nation's capital, and now we have the support of the city council, we are determined to deliver that vision as soon as we can."