Located on the opposite side of Straiton Road from the retail park, proposals by Straiton Estates Ltd will see the delivery of a mix of uses as part of a new 20-minute neighbourhood if consented.

In addition to new much-needed homes, these uses include the opportunity for employment, commercial and community facilities, as well as other amenities required for a 20-minute neighbourhood. In the target to deliver net-zero, 20-minute neighbourhoods are a key driver in this. These are places that are designed so residents can meet their day-to-day needs locally through access to safe walking and cycling routes, or by public transport, reducing the reliability on car use.

It is anticipated that the proposed A701 relief road will form the northern boundary of the proposed built development.

The land has been allocated for development for over five years and is a key site in Midlothian Council’s current Local Development Plan (LDP) strategy where a mix of uses, including residential and commercial, are supported as part of a new ‘Gateway’ to Midlothian.

In addition to new homes will be a mixed-use neighbourhood centre, including potential land for a new health centre. Open space and play areas will be located within easy walking distance of all new homes, with attractive pedestrian green links between open spaces and the homes.

Safe and attractive routes to existing schools and facilities within Loanhead and Straiton will also be established, with a biodiverse wetland area north of the relief road, linking to a wider green network across the site.

Included within the proposals will be a 2.4-hectare employment zone located within easy reach of transport network and active travel routes.

The proposal for the site at Straiton North offers a unique opportunity to support the Council’s aspirations to develop Straiton into a people-centred place though creating a new 20-minute neighbourhood integrated into its existing context and forming a new mixed-use gateway to Midlothian.

Development will also serve to deliver significant economic benefits, bringing new sustainable jobs through the construction period and beyond, as well as investment into the existing local economy.

With a proposal of application notice (PAN) now submitted to the Council, formally notifying it of its intent to submit a planning application following a minimum period of 12-weeks of consultation, two community consultation events will be held. The first of these will take place on Tuesday 27th June between 4pm and 7.30pm at Loanhead Leisure Centre.

Commenting on the proposals, Colin Mclachlan, director of Straiton Estates Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward these exciting proposals for a new 20-minute neighbourhood that will deliver a mix of residential, commercial and community uses.

“Our scheme offers a unique opportunity to support the Council’s aspirations to develop Straiton into a people-centred place though creating a new 20-minute neighbourhood, successfully integrated into the area and forming a new mixed-use gateway to Midlothian.

“We look forward to engaging with the community on our proposals for the site and to respond to feedback received.”