Thursday March 19th 2026
New houses planned for site at Whitehill Road, Rosewell
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
Claims new housing at a former industrial site could harm a nearby ancient woodland are being challenged amid claims the site is not protected.
Owner Archie Hunter applied to build six new homes on his land which had been home to cabin craft company Armadilla on Whitehill Road, Rosewell, for a number of years.
However Midlothian Council’s planners said the development would have an impact on surrounding trees classing them as ancient woodlands as well as arguing the site was outside the settlement boundary and could be returned to countryside.
In an appeal to the council’s Local Review Body representatives for Mr Hunter are arguing the collection of trees surrounding the site are not ancient and the land is not fit to return to its natural state after years of use.
They say: “The site has no realistic prospect of reinstatement. In planning terms, it is appropriately characterised as previously developed land, for which residential redevelopment represents the most suitable and sustainable future use.”
They argue that the site, which is within a walled garden was home to a giant glasshouse which collapsed in the early 1900s leaving part of it heavily contaminated with broken glass, foundations and pipelines.
And they say: “Prior to the applicant’s ownership, parts of the site were used as a scrap yard with numerous abandoned vehicles. It is not intact horticultural ground, it has been developed and built over a 100 year+ period.
“The application site itself has never formed part of Shiel Burn Wood and is not ancient woodland.”
Armadilla, which created luxury pods and holiday units, has moved to new premises in Newtongrange as the business has expanded and grown.
Mr Hunter is urging elected members to overturn the planning officers refusal of permission for the new homes at the site. in an appeal which will be heard by the review body next week.
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