Plans submitted for major 'green' office park on outskirts of Edinburgh

Plans have been submitted for a major “zero carbon” office park development on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

The application for planning in principle for Melville Gate at Sheriffhall South near Lasswade is due to be placed before local councillors.

The proposals for the allocated economic development land comprise four office buildings of two and three storeys of about 70,000 square feet in total, the provision of 295 parking spaces and a new access point from Gilmerton Road.

James Barnes, director of landowner Melville Nursery and the former chief executive of Dobbies Garden Centres, is leading the application, together with development consultancy Advie Properties. Barnes was a non-executive director of the Business Partnership (formerly Midlothian Enterprise Trust) for 20 years, and lived with his family in Eskbank for 16 years.

James Barnes, director of landowner Melville Nursery and the former chief executive of Dobbies Garden Centres, is leading the application for the Midlothian business park, together with development consultancy Advie Properties.

The proposed site was identified by Midlothian Council as suitable for business use more than 12 years ago. Its location within the green belt requires that the building designs respond to the rural surroundings.

Developers said the scheme would feature on-site power generation, non-CO2 emitting fuel sources, waste management and recycling, sustainable building methods and “locally sourced, renewable materials”.

Once constructed, the business park will be targeted at local businesses who have a “green agenda”.