Midlothian Council has submitted a £55 million plan (25/00521/DPP) for a “A701 Relief Road” — but the evidence shows it will make congestion and environmental problems worse, not better.

Why We Oppose the Relief Road

🚗 More Traffic, Not Less: The Council’s own data shows the scheme will increase traffic at the Straiton roundabout, Straiton Retail Park, and the A701/Burdiehouse junction.

🏫 Unsafe for Schools: Traffic on the A703 will almost double, sending an estimated 6,000 additional vehicles through the new Beeslack Replacement High School site — along a narrow, flood-prone road.

🌧️ Higher Flood Risk: Unrestricted drainage into Boghall Burn and Pentland Burn will increase flood risk downstream in Bilston and Burdiehouse.

🌿 Loss of Greenbelt & Wildlife Habitat: Prime farmland and wetland will be destroyed, harming biodiversity, rural livelihoods, and climate resilience.

🚶 No Real Active Travel Solution: The road has no provision for buses and will divide communities like Bilston, Damhead, and Loanhead — cutting them off from Easter Bush and active travel routes.

💷 Poor Use of Public Money: With vital projects like the new Beeslack High School underfunded, why spend £55 million on a road that worsens congestion?

Questionable Claimed Benefits

The Council’s claimed benefits rely on other developments — many not approved or already addressed elsewhere:

• Easing congestion depends on the contested Sheriffhall upgrade (not yet granted planning permission).

• The £189 million “economic boost” is based on outdated data from before the approval of the A702/Bush Loan roundabout.

• Expansion at Easter Bush has already been enabled without this road.

• The “Sustainable Travel Corridor” is a separate project, not part of this scheme.

📝 Make Your Voice Heard – Object by 23rd November 2025!

We need as many people as possible to formally object to this damaging and costly plan. In addition to signing this petition, every objection letter counts! Below is a template letter you can use. Feel free to adapt, add your own feeling or information.

Please email Graeme.king@midlothian.gov.uk with your objection letter to Application 25/00521/DPP before the consultation closes on 23rd November 2025.

Alternatively, use the Midlothian Council planning portal and submit your objection.

It only takes a few minutes to stand up for our schools, environment, and communities. You can also display a poster, share this information with neighbours, and encourage others to object. Let’s excersice our democratic voices!’

Please also make sure to check your spam for an email asking to verify your signature, otherwise it won’t count!

Please use link here for template letter if this helps.

Local Opinion

Community feedback from Bilston, Roslin, Loanhead, Penicuik, and Damhead shows little to no public support. There is no evidence of backing from local businesses or the University of Edinburgh.