The Green Belt land surrounding Liberton has long been under threat. Ever since I started representing the area, as Councillor in 2003 we have been fighting planning application and reclassification attempts.

It now appears that developers Mactaggart and Mickel are exploring options to develop the following sites:

This is in anticipation of the Strategic Development Plan for South East Scotland being signed off by Scottish Ministers. This development plan will then provide a basis for each local authority to design their own local development plans. The Edinburgh version is called City Plan 2030 and you can read more about the timetable here.

Local development plans will then designate land for development based upon housing targets set by the Scottish Government. We know that there is a gap between the number of houses required and the land earmarked for development in Edinburgh so there will likely be another fight for the classification of these much used sites.

I will be working closely with the Liberton and District Community Council and the Liberton Association to make sure there much loved green spaces remain, for the benefit of the whole community.

You can read a recent Edinburgh Evening News article on the development prospect here.

If you would like to receive updates on these specific sites please email ian.murray.mp@parliament.uk with the words “Liberton Green Belt” subscribe.