From 22 August to 3 October 2014 City of Edinburgh Council are consulting on their Second Proposed Development Plan. This will set the policies guiding development across the city in coming years.

A major aspect is more land being allocated for new housing development. This is required by the Strategic Development Plan for South East Scotland adopted by Scottish Ministers in 2013. The factors behind this are:

• More housing is needed given expected changes in population and households.
• The target to meet housing need across the City is 32,460 homes between now and 2024.
• Land already identified can accommodate up to 23,976 homes, leaving a shortfall of 8,484.
• Brownfield sites account for 74% of the total but Greenbelt land is proposed to meet the shortfall.

A number of Greenbelt/greenfield sites across the city have been identified. In the east of Edinburgh there are new proposals for the release of Greenbelt land at Brunstane (HSG 29) and an increase in housing already allocated at Newcraighall North (HSG 26) and Newcraighall East (HSG 27).
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The proposal for Brunstane is to release 38Ha (93 acres) of Greenbelt land to build between 950 and 1330 homes. Along with the increases at Newcraighall North (from 160 up to 210) and East (from 176 up to 385), the total number of new homes in the area would be between 1,375 and 1,925.

There is a requirement for 25% to be affordable housing and a new primary school is also proposed.

More information can be found on the Edinburgh Council web-site at: http://tinyurl.com/mhvtn79

The Council’s evaluation of the Brunstane site noted a number of negative aspects including:

• Loss of farmland.
• Poor accessibility.
• Poor public transport links.
• Limited infrastructure which could delay development.

A number of reasons were also given to justify release of the land for housing:

• Accessibility, infrastructure and transport links could be improved.
• Development would have little impact on the wider landscape character of the City.
• Limited visual impact as the site is already enclosed by development, roads and woodland.
• The site is effectively an island of Greenbelt serving little function, with the grounds at Newhailes House providing the important separation between Edinburgh and Musselburgh.

Concerns have been raised about the proposals regarding over-development, the impact on local infrastructure, increased traffic, and the loss of Greenbelt land. Concerns have also been raised about the other Greenbelt sites identified across the City.

The Council do need to identify sites to comply with the Structure Plan, but the consultation is an opportunity to give an opinion on the sites proposed. Portobello Community Council is keen to hear local opinion on the proposals to help inform their own response to the consultation.

Please answer the questions below. The deadline for responses is Friday, 26 September

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Portobello Community Council needs to hear your views so we can represent you...