Consultations - Midlothian Core Paths Plan Review 2019

We are reviewing the Midlothian Core Paths Plan (PDF), first published in 2009, in line with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, so that it continues to be "sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area”.

The plan is made up of core paths. These are routes free from obstruction that provide some clear use to the public, such as for recreation, commuting, and accessing facilities.

The first stage consultation lasted 4 weeks from 11 February to 6 March 2019.

What is a core path?

A core path can be anything from a tarmac route to a grassy field margin. A core path should be a clear route that provides good public amenity for recreation and access to facilities. Generally it will not be an urban roadside footway unless designated as a cycle path.

Map

The map below shows the Core Paths Plan from 2009. You can click on or off the candidate core paths and other routes for the new Core Paths Plan.

View core paths map full screen in a separate window

Thanks to everyone who came along to our consultation events in Penicuik and Dalkeith in February, and who completed our online consultation.

What happens next?

All the comments will be collated and analysed.

A draft Core Paths Plan will be prepared for a more detailed consultation with the public and landowners. The consultation for  the draft plan will take place over a statutory 12 week period. During this time the council will accept comments and formal objections to the plan.

A new requirement for this Core Paths Plan is that landowners will need to be given notice if there is a proposed Core Path crossing their land. This requirement does not apply to existing core paths.

If all objections are resolved then the council will seek approval for the plan.

If objections cannot be resolved, an inquiry may be held to decide on whether a given objection is upheld, so the council may take forward its plan for approval.