Developers PSL Land Ltd’s attempt to speed up a planning decision on their proposals was made after it claimed the council failed to decide on the campus within their stated time frame.

Planned for soon to be delisted greenfield land to the west of the A701 at Straiton, the facility would be Scotland’s first purpose-built film studio complex.

However, after Midlothian Council delayed its decision on the scheme, PSL wrote to the Scottish Government to “call in” the plans and consider them.

The request was sent to Alex Neil, cabinet secretary for social justice and communities.

However, the developers had their bid rejected.

In the reply, from the Local Government and Communities Directorate, Planning and Architecture Division, the developers were told that ministers - who have the power to call in any live planning application for determination - would only do so if the proposal “raised issues of genuine national interest.”

The letter goes on: “Having considered the information available for this proposal and while noting the major potential of the proposal and the intended delivery of an energy centre and film studio for Scotland; Ministers do not propose to call-in the application at this time.”

The developers are now appealing the decision.