Good news about improving greenspaces and natural habitats for local communities, business and biodiversity

Landscape Masterplan for West Edinburgh 

 

2nd February 2011

 

A new landscape masterplan is to be produced for part of West Edinburgh, focusing around the Edinburgh Airport/A8 corridor. The area has previously been identified in the National Planning Framework 2 and the West Edinburgh Planning Framework (WEPF) as a priority hub for development. The aim of the landscape masterplan will be to ensure that new development incorporates high quality green infrastructure in keeping with its location as a major gateway to Scotland. 

Although covering a large area around the Airport and the Royal Highland Showground, the focus of the landscape masterplan will be on the proposed International Business Gateway area. The Plan will enable the phased creation of a co-ordinated and deliverable network of high quality green spaces as a setting for future development. Proposed benefits will include:

  • Enhancement of overall landscape quality
  • Creation of a setting for development which maintains and enhances the area’s attractiveness for business and as gateway to Scotland.
  • Provision of recreation and active travel opportunities including integration of green routes within the landscape.
  • Creation of wildlife habitats, enhancement of biodiversity and development of connectivity consistent with  the draft Regional Forestry Framework, Local Biodiversity Action Plan and CSGN principles.
  • Contribution to improvement in air quality, water quality and noise attenuation
  • Contribution to mitigation and adaptation to climate change including sustainable urban drainage, carbon sequestration and species migration.

The study will address the issues relating to the area’s unique location including the severance of the landscape, airport safeguarding restrictions, noise issues, emissions and natural heritage constraints.  The new business gateway function, airport visitor arrival and linkages with cycle and pedestrian networks will also be considered as integral elements.

The study is one of a number of CSGN initiatives funded by Forestry Commission Scotland in the area. Another study has been recently been commissioned to focus on the River Almond Corridor including access and habitat creation opportunities along the river. This links with the strategic vision developed in the Draft Forestry Framework for Edinburgh and Lothians.

For specific background to the Landscape Masterplan contact: christophergray@7Nachitects.com

For further information, please contact:

Ian Whitehead
Edinburgh & Lothians Forest Habitat Network Officer
Tel: 0131 445 4025
Email: ian@lfgnp.org.uk

 

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