One person died and two people were injured in the blast, which occurred on Baberton Mains Avenue on December 1, two years ago.

One home was completely destroyed, with local man James Smith tragically losing his life. Other homes were badly damaged and were evacuated as a precaution.

The site has now been cleared, and will be replaced by six new properties if new plans submitted to the City of Edinburgh Council are approved.

Developer Sedgwick UK submitted the plans on behalf of residents at 23-33 Baberton Mains Avenue. The plans were submitted on February 21.

In the planning documents, the developer wrote: “The proposed design solution heavily references the surrounding and existing buildings but with a more modern finish. The proposal reflects the existing building lines maintaining continuity as much as possible through the street in both plan and elevation.”

However, the plans include proposed alterations to the existing design due to current building regulations “betters the previous building”. These include the windows being larger than before due to current building regulations relating to natural light and ventilation.

Locals have welcomed the plans. A neighbourhood resident told The Herald: “It has been really upsetting to have seen the site like it was for so long, so I suspect most Baberton locals are glad it has been cleared. It was a night that impacted us all – so sad and scary.

“This was a row of terraced houses, privately owned, so there must be a lot of discussion behind the scenes with insurance companies. No wonder it has taken so long to be cleared.

“Hopefully new homes will be built and life for the owners can return to some sort of normality.”