Key considerations
Principle of development
The proposed site forms part of the Shawfair Committed Development Area in the Midlothian LDP and is currently allocated for ‘Business’ and ‘General Industry’. It is expected that the site’s allocation will remain in the emerging LDP2, due to be published later this year for consultation.
The site is included within the Whitehill Mains masterplan area, which benefits from an extant Permission in Principle (ref. 19/00748/PPP) for a range of uses including builders’ merchants and car showrooms. The principle of a form of development on the site has therefore been established. The proposed Community Tennis and Padel Centre seeks to deliver an alternative form of development for the subject plot within the masterplan.
While the proposed development differs from conventional business or industrial development, the proposal will contribute to job creation and economic activity, aligning with Midlothian’s overarching objective to support sustainable economic growth.
An extensive site search has been undertaken to inform the site selection; however, given the nature of the proposed leisure use, a Town Centre First Assessment will be submitted for consideration. This will assess the suitability of the proposed location relative to alternative sites.
Socio-economic impact
The planning application will be informed by an Economic Impact and Social Value Assessment, which will set out the projected economic and community impacts of the development.
The proposed tennis and padel centre is expected to deliver significant socio-economic benefits through the provision of a purpose-built, community-accessible leisure facility with associated employment opportunities, including:
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Direct jobs for local contractors and suppliers during the construction phase, with indirect economic benefits through the local supply chain
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Permanent operational employment roles, associated with the day-to-day running and management of the facility
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Further employment opportunities associated with events and competitions, all of which will contribute to economic activity in the local area
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improved access to community sport for local residents, schools, clubs and community groups – providing opportunities for coaching, recreation and events
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positive health and wellbeing outcomes
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socio-economic gains through employment and increased local activity
The centre will also provide qualified coaches to work directly with local schools, introducing children to tennis and padel through structured sessions and improving accessibility into both sports.
Importantly, the centre will operate on a not-for-profit basis, with any surplus funds reinvested back into the facility to enhance coaching provision and resources, with a particular focus on supporting children from more deprived backgrounds
Transport and access
The site is well served by public transport connections, including bus services from the nearby Fort Kinnaird Retail Park and train links from Newcraighall Station. Access to the site will be taken from the established road network along Whitehills Road, and the new access route to the north-west.
A Transport Assessment will accompany the planning application. This will consider the proposed change from the plot’s approved use to the proposed tennis and padel centre, including the implications for the local road network, alongside measures to promote walking, cycling and public transport use.
Landscape and biodiversity
Landscape and ecology will be integral to the proposals, maintaining green network connections, responding to local landscape character, ensuring the protection and enhancement of habitats and supporting integration with the wider masterplan.
A Lighting Impact Assessment will be undertaken to consider the effects of external lighting on visual amenity and ecology, with appropriate mitigation measures.
Flooding and drainage
A Drainage Strategy incorporating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) will be prepared, aligning with, the approved drainage strategy serving the wider development site to ensure a coordinated approach to flood risk and surface water management.
Site investigations and ground conditions
Site investigations have been undertaken to assess ground conditions, including land contamination and any historic coal mining legacy.
Appropriate remediation, ground treatment and site preparation works have been carried out to ready the site for development.