Planning policy

The statutory development plan for Midlothian guides the future use of land by setting out a sustainable development strategy with relevant planning policies and proposals.

It comprises the Strategic Development Plan for Edinburgh and South East Scotland (prepared by SESplan - the Strategic Development Planning Authority of which Midlothian Council is a member) and, at the local level,  the Midlothian Local Development Plan.

Currently, both are in preparation to replace the outgoing development plan - the Edinburgh and the Lothians Structure Plan 2015 and the Midlothian Local Plan 2008 - prepared under previous legislation.  

Supplementary planning guidance is also provided on specific topics such as development in the countryside.