Development plans and policies

Midlothian Local Development Plan 2

Every Council has to prepare a Local Development Plan for their area. This sets out proposals and policies for the development and use of land and for the protection and conservation of natural assets and amenity.  The current Local Development Plan for Midlothian was adopted on 7 November 2017.  The adopted Midlothian Local Development Plan can be viewed through the following link.

The Council's Planning Committee on 28 February 2023 endorsed the start of the review of the current Midlothian Local Development Plan (2017) (MLDP) and preparation of its replacement.  The replacement will be called MLDP2.  

The first step in preparing MLDP2 is evidence gathering and engagement with communities and other interested stakeholders.  When adopted, MLDP2 will replace the current MLDP and will set out how Midlothian will develop over the 10-year period 2026-2036.

Key issues for MLDP2

Key issues for the second Midlothian Local Development Plan include:

  • mitigation and adaptation to the climate emergency and nature/ biodiversity crisis
  • the protection and enhancement of natural, historical and cultural assets
  • housing land supply to meet housing targets for Midlothian, set out in the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework no.4 (NPF4)
  • continuing support for the provision of affordable and specialist housing
  • support for economic development, businesses and job creation with an emphasis on community wealth building and a well-being economy
  • the provision of infrastructure and services
  • support for the rural economy
  • support for public transport and active travel
  • community building and place making to create great places to live, work, play and invest.

Next Steps

An indicative timescale for production of MLDP2 is outlined below:

1. Evidence Report / Engagement

  • February 2023 – Midlothian Council Planning Committee agrees to officially start the preparation of MLDP2
  • March 2023 – invite community bodies to prepare Local Place Plans
  • April - October 2023 – engagement with communities and other stakeholders to inform production of the MLDP2 Evidence Report.  This will take place with elected members, local communities, groups identified in planning legislation, key agencies, third sector organisations, private sector organisations, landowners and the construction and development industry
  • October - December 2023 – production of MLDP2 Evidence Report, which summarises evidence, engagement, information and data, and their implications on the MLDP2 Proposed Plan

2. Evidence Report ‘Gate Check’

  • January 2024 – MLDP2 Evidence Report submission to Scottish Ministers for a ‘Gate Check’ to confirm sufficient information has been gathered to prepare a Proposed Plan
  • March 2024 – feedback from Scottish Ministers ‘Gate Check’ of the MLDP2 Evidence Report

3. Proposed Plan / Consultation

  • March - April 2025 – approval of MLDP2 Proposed Plan and Delivery Programme for public consultation (a 12 week formal consultation period)
  • December 2025 – approval of MLDP2 Proposed Plan for submission to Scottish Ministers

4. Examination

  • From March 2026 – examination into unresolved issues from representations received on MLDP2 Proposed Plan
  • September 2026 – Report of Examination received from the Reporter from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) appointed by Scottish Ministers

5. Adoption

  • December 2026 – adoption of MLDP2                                      
  • March 2027 – adoption of MLDP2 Delivery Programme

MLDP2 - contact details

For more information on the MLDP2 process, contact the Local Development Plan Team

  • Email: ldp@midlothian.gov.uk
  • Write to: Planning Service, Fairfield House, 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 3AA

Local Place Plans

Local Place Plans provide an opportunity for communities to contribute to development planning in their area.   They are a tool for local communities to think about how to make their 'place' better, agree priorities, and work with others to make change happen.  The Council will invite local community bodies to prepare Local Place Plans.   For more information, visit our LPP web pages or contact:

  • Email: LPP@midlothian.gov.uk
  • Write to: Planning Service, Fairfield House, 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 3AA

We will also post updates on:

Related Downloads

Related pages