Residents and interest groups living in Edinburgh and the South East of Scotland have been invited to share their views on how to shape the future of the region at a series of engagement events organised by SESplan.
The events mark the second stage of a public consultation launched on 21 July to discuss the Main Issues Report, which will be used to develop plans to accommodate the area’s future growth.
Over the next two decades the local population is expected to grow by 18% and the number of households by 25%.
These events aim to gather views on how to respond to the need for more housing and infrastructure, as well as the potential impact this could have on green belt areas.
Feedback received will help identify the key issues and priorities of people living in the South East of Scotland and will be used to form a strategic development plan for the area. This will inform the Local Development Plan for each local authority area in the region, focusing on long-term strategic level planning matters such as housing, economic growth, green networks and infrastructure.
Councillor Ian Perry, Chair of the SESplan Committee, said: “The South East of Scotland faces serious challenges as a result of population increases and projected future growth. It is vital that we plan now to make sure we have adequate housing and infrastructure, while protecting the environment.
“This means that we have to think creatively and innovatively to find solutions that will help ensure the continued success and growth of the area.
“The response we have received from local residents so far has been very encouraging but there is still plenty of time to have their views heard. I would encourage as many people as possible to come along and take part in this consultation. Their comments will help us to make decisions that play a vital role in shaping the future of the region.”
Further information about the consultation and events can be found at the SESplan website, or by contacting SESplan directly at: contactus@sesplan.gov.uk , telephone 01506 282883.
Community Events
Aimed at Community Councils, community groups and anyone looking to engage in discussions about the Main Issues Report. These events feature an introduction on what SESplan is and what the main issues are,followed by workshop-based discussion. Please let SESplan know if you want to attend.
Wednesday 26 August: Scottish Borders Council, Council Chamber, Newtown Street, Duns 6.30-8.30pm
Thursday 27 August: Waverley Court, East Market Street, Edinburgh 6-8pm
Tuesday 1 September: Bathgate Partnership Centre 6-8 pm
Wednesday 2 September: Portobello Town Hall, Portobello High Street, Edinburgh 6-8 pm
Wednesday 2 September: Fife House, Glenrothes 6-8pm
Thursday 3 September: Waverley Court, East Market Street, Edinburgh 6-8pm
Monday 7 September: Gibson Craig Hall, Currie 6-8pm
Tuesday 8 September: Scottish Borders Council, Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells 6.30-8.30pm
Wednesday 9 September: Business Centre, City Chambers, Edinburgh 6-8pm
Thursday 10 September: Scottish Borders Council, Council Chamber, Rosetta Road, Peebles 6.30-8.30pm
Wednesday 16 September: Midlothian Federation of Community Councils, Middleton Village Hall, Midlothian 7pm
Drop-in Events
Aimed at everyone who wants to find out a bit more about the Main Issues and have a chat with officers. Come along at any time on the time and date shown. No prior confirmation required.
Monday 14 September: Inverkeithing Civic Centre, Fife 3-7pm
Wednesday 16 September: Lasswade High School, Bonnyrigg 3-7pm
Thursday 17 September: City of Edinburgh, Faith Mission Hall, Gilmerton, Edinburgh 3-7pm
Seminar Theme Events
Events about the wider challenges and solutions rather than about SESplan and the Main Issues Report itself; these three events are aimed at the development industry, investors, house builders, social housing providers and those with interests in active travel, energy, town centres or green infrastructure. Advance booking essential.
Friday 4 September: ‘A Place for Communities’ seminar event: Chartered Institute of Housing, Edinburgh 9.30 am-1pm.
Featuring presentations on placemaking in a capital city region; looking beyond housing numbers; the future of town centres; green networks and the coordination of housing delivery with infrastructure provision. Speakers include Craig McLaren, Director RTPI Scotland; Malcolm Fraser, Director Malcolm Fraser Architects; Nicola Barclay, Director of Planning Homes for Scotland and Diarmuid Lawlor, Architecture+Design Scotland
Tuesday 8 September: ‘A Place to do Business’ seminar event: Scottish Enterprise, Apex House, Edinburgh 1.30-5pm.
Featuring presentations on Developing the City Deal; Growth Sectors; Economic Vision in the City Region; the Visitor Economy and the Future of Renewables. Speakers include Graham Birse, Edinburgh Napier University; Dr Andy Kerr, Executive Director, Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation (ECCI); Chris Greenwood, Head of Research, Visit Scotland; Martin Wight, Manager Strategy and Economics, Scottish Enterprise and Ian Johnson, Head of Communities and Economy, Midlothian Council.
Monday 14 September: ‘A Better Connected Place’ seminar event: City Chambers, Edinburgh 9 am-12pm
Featuring presentations on city deal, the challenges and plans for the regional transport network, delivering infrastructure and active travel. Speakers include Fiona Clandillon, Rydens; Neil Langhorn, Active and Sustainable Transport Team leader, Transport Scotland; Keith Winter, Executive Director, Enterprise and Environment, Fife Council; John Hamilton, Winchburgh Developments/Scottish Property Federation and Alex Macaulay, SEStran
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