Tag: heritage

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.