Development plans and policies

Midlothian Local Development Plan 2027-2037

Midlothian Council is preparing the next Local Development Plan for Midlothian. This plan will shape the development and use of land in the area from 2027-2037. 

In the plan we will allocate sites for development, identify places to be protected, and set out the policies that will be used when deciding planning applications.

Have your say

We are currently consulting on the draft plan.  The consultation period opens on 30 June 2026 and finishes on 25 September 2026.  During this time, you can let us know what you think of the proposed plan

Developing a local development plan

There are many stages in the process of preparing a local development plan - we are at Stage 6:

• Stage 1: Early consultation
• Stage 2: Evidence Report - March 2023 to June 2024
• Stage 3: Gate Check - July to September 2024

Evidence Report, supporting documents, DPEA assessment and recommendations

Evidence Report Summary

• Stage 4: Call for Ideas - July to October 2024
• Stage 5: Prepare Proposed Plan - November 2024 to June 2026
• Stage 6: Consultation on Proposed Plan - Summer 2026
• Stage 7: Modification of Proposed Plan - Autumn 2026 and Winter 2026/27
• Stage 8: Examination - Spring 2027 to Autumn 2027
• Stage 9: Plan adoption - Winter 2027/28
• Stage 10: Delivery and monitoring

We publish an annual Development Plan Scheme, which sets out our up-to-date programme for preparing our local development plan. Consultation on this has recently concluded.

We will post updates on:

• Twitter: @Midgov
• Facebook: @MidlothianCouncil