Subject to final planning approval, Midlothian Council plans to develop the site, which is bounded by Polton Street, Moorfoot View and Moorfoot Place.

The existing infant school building will be retained, and will be refurbished to provide day care, meeting and office premises.

“A full planning application for the proposed care facilities and new housing development was submitted earlier this week,” explained council leader, Councillor Derek Milligan. “The demolition work is a key first step being taken to prepare the site for the planned redevelopment.

“The proposed intermediate care building will provide short term accommodation as well as assessment, rehabilitation, interim and respite care provision,” added Councillor Milligan. “The extra care housing development will offer 44 tenancies and support for older people and those with a variety of degenerative conditions.”

As part of the pre-application consultation, two online public events were held in April to give local people the opportunity to hear about the proposals and to ask the design team questions.

The demolition work at the former school site is expected to take around 14 weeks to complete.