Consultation will start on Monday 31 October 2005 and continue for six weeks until Friday 9 December.

The initial round of consultation took place last year to identify development land for the provision of homes and jobs to meet the requirements of the approved Edinburgh and Lothians Structure Plan 2015, and also to ensure that planning policies are kept up to date with national guidance.

Feedback from that consultation has led to the preparation of the report agreed at Cabinet - Review of Midlothian and Shawfair Local Plans: Policy Changes and Development Sites for Consultation.

This document sets out the draft policies and proposals put forward for consultation, including those detailing the strategic land allocations for housing and economic development, based on the two transport corridors - the A7/A68 and the A701.

Councillor Jim Dunsmuir, Cabinet Member for Strategic Services says: "In bringing these proposals forward we have included a major consultation process to allow as many residents and others with an interest in Midlothian to take part. In preparing this consultation document we have incorporated views and opinions expressed from the initial discussions we had at the start of the process and we have given a commitment to listen and take account of the feedback received during this next stage of the process. We also need to take account of a strategic environmental assessment which is being carried out on the proposals and consider the impact these would have on communities and the local environment. This is a new statutory requirement placed on the planning process."

During the public consultation period, an information leaflet will be sent to households and exhibitions will be held at local libraries in Dalkeith, Gorebridge and Loanhead and at Queensway Leisure Centre in Penicuik. A travelling exhibition in the form of a community bus will tour the main communities. An introductory seminar for Community Councils will be held at the start of the consultation process and two public workshops, one for each of the development corridors, have been arranged.

Information on the Local Plan proposals and the consultation arrangements will be posted on www.midlothian.gov.uk/localplan throughout the consultation period.

After the consultation has been completed, the Council will prepare the Finalised Local Plan and place it 'on deposit' for a 6 - week period along with the Environmental Report, around Spring 2006. Any objections received and not withdrawn during this period will be heard at a public inquiry or hearing.

Contact: Communications Manager , Telephone: 0131 271 3425