Category: City Plan 2040

Community Council Customer Forum 2026

Image shows people sitting around tables watching a presentation and someone talking.

We would like to thank all the Community Council representatives who attended the recent Customer Forum on the evening of Monday 26 October with officers from the Planning Service.

The session was an opportunity for updates on work of the Planning Service, the Local Development Plan, current work on City Plan 2040 and community involvement in Local Place Plans. There was also information on how Community Councils can best get involved in the planning application process.

Following several presentations, we had workshop sessions to discuss a selection of case studies which generated positive discussions on the tables. Some key themes arose such as the engagement process undertaken by the Community Councils in gathering the views of the community on development proposals, how representations are considered as part of the assessment process for applications and what makes material and non-material comments.

The event provided us with a helpful insight into the role of Community Councils in the planning process, the challenges they face and how we can ensure they have a say in developments within their area.

Special Mention – Goff Cantley of Morningside Community Council

The Planning Service would like to take an opportunity to say a special thank you to Goff Cantley who has been the Morningside Community Council Planning Officer for 18 years and will be stepping away from the role.

Throughout his time on the community council, Goff has made a considerable contribution to the understanding of planning issues within Morningside, in particular the development proposals at Craighouse and more recently hotel led developments within the area, in which he supported the community in providing their views on significant developments within the local area.

Goff has also kept track of changing planning guidance as well as providing input on more strategic views of planning matters throughout his time, all to the benefit of Morningside Community Council.

Goff will be missed after many years of service, and we hope he enjoys a well-earned rest!

City Plan 2040: Evidence Report Update

On 1 October, City of Edinburgh Council received the great news that its Evidence Report successfully passed the Gate Check.

The Gate Check is a key step in the preparation of a new local development plan. It is when the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) tests whether a local authority’s Evidence Report has sufficient and accurate information to go on and prepare a Proposed Plan.

For us, the Evidence Report was a huge piece of work that spanned many topics and places, required input across Council services and external partners and involved a huge amount of engagement.

The DPEA highlighted that the Evidence Report was comprehensive, involved extensive engagement and a clear grasp of key matters.

People viewing City Plan 2040 consultation boards in a community hall.

Following this positive decision, we will be preparing our next Development Plan Scheme which will set out the timetable for preparing the Proposed Plan and the next opportunities to engage in the process.