Planning applications for the infrastructure required to deliver a development of this scale and the housebuilder’s detailed proposal for the first phase of new homes will follow in the next few weeks.

The new homes in the first phase of the development will include an impressive mix of two, three, and four-bedroom styles to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Once all consents are in place, work is planned to start on these later this year.

As Bannock Wood, Bonnyrigg progresses, there will also be a substantial range of benefits for the local community.

These include: 

• The creation of around 1,000 new properties with a choice of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes to appeal to a wide range of potential homebuyers. 
• Provision of open space and community facilities.
• 25% affordable homes and apartments.
• New cycleways, pedestrian footpaths, and the realignment of some parts of the existing bridleway and core path will encourage green, active travel throughout the development and connect with the existing local communities.
• Little Wood will be protected and enhanced to create a green corridor across the development. Paths outside and along the edge of the woods will link to its existing informal paths.
• Key transport infrastructure improvements will include two new roundabouts at A6094/Rosewell Road and B6392/Burnbrae Terrace, and a bus route will be facilitated through the development.
• A new public park, Dalhousie Chesters Park, will be established, and it will include an equipped play area.
• Measures to enhance the area for local wildlife and improve biodiversity by including bat boxes, bug hotels and hedgehog highways.

Pauline Mills, technical director at Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, said: “We are very pleased to have secured our Planning Permission in Principle for our development at Bannock Wood in  Bonnyrigg, and we are continuing to make the significant preparations that are required to create our vision for this new neighbourhood in Midlothian.

“Detailed planning applications for our infrastructure programme and our first phase of new homes will be progressed in early 2025, and we hope to be able to start building our first new homes at Bannock Wood later next year. With the delivery of around 1,000 new homes, the creation of major new infrastructure and improvements to existing transport links, and substantial community benefits, Bannock Wood will be a brand-new community and place to call home in Midlothian.”