Submitted by Rapleys LLP on behalf of the applicant, JS & R Mitchell, the application proposes around 350 homes alongside a new health centre and community facility at Ravelrig Road.

A masterplan designed by EMA envisions an extension of the settlement edge of Balerno through a considered approach to the site and surrounding context.

The core objectives of the proposal are to provide a mixed-use development which includes much needed new housing and additional community facilities for new and existing residents, create an extensive new pedestrian and landscape framework which provides an extension to the park to the south-east, improve links to public transport through the creation of a new bus terminus and extended bus route and to introduce a mix of housing and building densities, as well as a significant provision of affordable housing.

In a design statement, EMA wrote: “Key development frontages will be established to all main areas of open space within the development as well as primary street and lanes. Housing along the southern boundary will back onto the edge of the site thereby protecting the setting of the existing neighbourhoods.

“Housing which fronts onto Ravelrig Road will also be set back to protect the setting around the entrance and increase visibility along this section of road as well as the northern edge of development which will allow for pleasant frontages onto the woodland.”