SESplan, the regional planning authority - a partnership of Fife, City of Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, West Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian councils – produced the plan, which is now subject to a period of consultation.

The plan is aiming to increase the rate of housebuilding by a third to meet the needs of an increasing population, particularly in and around Edinburgh. Over 40 per cent of these new homes will be affordable, helping to deliver the Scottish Government’s target to build 50,000 affordable homes this parliament.

It also sets out the key strategic infrastructure required to support this level of growth including road, rail and tram improvements and proposals for an improved regional walking and cycling network. The plan also sets out how networks of so-called ‘green infrastructure’, such as wildlife habitats and open spaces, will be protected.

Scottish Borders Councillor Stuart Bell, convenor of SESplan, said: “This document is the result of the six councils working closely together to plan a better long-term future for the region, where growth is directed to the right places.

“The recent announcement that a City Region Deal for our region will be developed jointly by the local authorities in partnership with Scottish and UK Governments means that some of the infrastructure which is needed to support this growth, and which is identified in the plan, could potentially be delivered sooner rather than later.”

Over the next six weeks, until November 24, SESplan are inviting the public to comment on the plan during a ‘period of representations’. Comments and suggested changes to the proposed plan submitted during the period of representations will be summarised and submitted to Scottish Ministers alongside the plan in spring 2017. Comments on the proposed plan should be submitted online.

The final Strategic Development Plan is likely to be submitted to Scottish Government for approval in spring 2018.

The plan can be viewed online at www.sesplan.gov.uk as well as at local authority planning offices and libraries. Events will also be held across the region where the public can find out more.