Conservation Areas – Planning Edinburgh

Revised Gilmerton Conservation Area Character Appraisal Approved

Front cover of the Gilmerton Conservation Area Character Appraisal (June 2026). Image shows a redeveloped historic cottage in Gilmerton on a sunny day.

Planning Committee has approved the revised Gilmerton Conservation Area Character Appraisal (CACA) at its meeting on 17 June 2026.

The newly approved document is now a material consideration in the determination of planning applications within the conservation area. It will also serve as a reference for planning, design and discussions relating to listed buildings and new development in Gilmerton.

You can read the full appraisal here.

Why has the appraisal been updated?

Gilmerton Conservation Area was originally designated in October 1977 in recognition of its rich mining and agricultural heritage, which continues to shape the area’s distinctive street pattern and historic buildings.

The previous Character Appraisal dated back to July 2000. Keeping Character Appraisals up to date is important, not only to ensure planning decisions are based on current evidence, but also because an appraisal that is typically less than five years old is a key requirement when applying for future conservation funding.

Any future funding bids will need to clearly demonstrate how proposed projects align with the findings and recommendations set out in the appraisal.

Opportunities for enhancement

The revised appraisal identifies a number of opportunities to help protect and enhance Gilmerton’s special character.

These include:

Greater attention given to encouraging development that reinforce features that give Gilmerton its unique character and history

Creating more opportunities for people to stop, rest and enjoy the area’s historic environment

Investing in important community assets, including the Category B listed Gilmerton Community Centre, the Society Hall and Gilmerton Library

The sympathetic restoration and reopening of Gilmerton Cove, the remarkable underground network of tunnels and chambers as an educational, community and visitor attraction

Greater attention to encouraging developments that retain original architectural features wherever possible and that use traditional materials.

Extended – Consultation on Gilmerton Conservation Area Character Appraisal

Front cover of the Draft Gilmerton Conservation Area Appraisal - a redeveloped historic cottage in Gilmerton on a bright sunny day

We are seeking your views on a draft Conservation Area Character Appraisal for Gilmerton.

We have taken the decision to extend the consultation to Friday 3 April to give more people the opportunity to tell us what we should improve in the draft.

A Conservation Area Character Appraisal explains what is special about a particular area and why it is a conservation area. It outlines its historical development and identifies the key elements, essential features and special qualities that contribute to its unique character and appearance.

In 1977 Gilmerton was designated a Conservation Area which aims to protect its unique agricultural and mining heritage and qualities for the future.

The current appraisal was adopted in 2000. Since then, Gilmerton has evolved and we need to update the character appraisal to reflect Gilmerton Conservation Area today.

You can access the draft appraisal and the consultation here.

Gilmerton Conservation Area Draft Character Appraisal Consultation

Front cover of the Draft Character Appraisal Consultation, showing the Restored Pantile Cottage on Ravenscroft St, Gilmerton on a sunny day

We are seeking your views on a draft Conservation Area Character Appraisal for Gilmerton.

In 1977 Gilmerton was designated a Conservation Area which aims to protect its unique agricultural and mining heritage and qualities for the future.

The current appraisal was adopted in 2000. Since then, Gilmerton has evolved and we need to update the character appraisal to reflect Gilmerton Conservation Area today.

Historic black and white photo showing children playing on Main Street, Gilmerton, taken around 1900.

Westland Cottages, Gilmerton on a sunny day - red sandstone single story cottages with a hedge and bins in the foreground.

The questionnaire is asking about the draft appraisal;

What do you like about it?
What should we improve?
Do you think we should include anything else?
What makes Gilmerton special to you?

Share your views online until 3 March 2026

You can also come meet us in person at the Gilmerton Community Centre (Main Hall), 4 Drum Street, EH17 8QG on 22 Jan 2026 between 15:30 and 19:30.

Calling all historic property owner-occupiers!

Colourful graphic design of historic buildings against a yellow background. Text reads "Giving voice to historic property owners"

As part of our efforts to update the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas planning guidance, the City of Edinburgh Council is collaborating with the University of Edinburgh to understand how the guidance can be improved to be more practical and accessible.

The University’s project, Giving Voice to Historic Property Owners, is now recruiting focus group and workshop participants. The project is specifically looking for owner-occupiers (you own the home you are living in) of listed buildings and properties in a conservation area in Edinburgh.

You can check here to see if your property is listed or in a conservation area.

It’s important that voices from as many conservation areas are included in this project. Owner-occupiers in the Leith, Southside, Portobello, Inverleith, Morningside areas are especially encouraged to sign up. But all historic property owners are welcome!

Focus group participants will receive a £10 e-gift card and in-person workshops will end with a catered lunch.

Learn more and sign up on the project information page.

Calling all historic property owner-occupiers!

As part of our efforts to update the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas planning guidance, the City of Edinburgh Council is collaborating with the University of Edinburgh to understand how the guidance can be improved to be more practical and accessible.

The University’s project, Giving Voice to Historic Property Owners, is now recruiting focus group and workshop participants. The project is specifically looking for owner–occupiers (you own the home you are living in) of listed buildings and properties in a conservation area in Edinburgh.

You can check here to see if your property is listed or in a conservation area.

Focus group participants will receive a £10 e-gift card and in-person workshops will end with a catered lunch.

Learn more and sign up on the project information page.