Theme - Green Infrastructure
Green Spaces
These proposals focuses on improving the green infrastructure (excluding Pentland HIlls National Park) for all members of the community of Balerno, including the green spaces themselves, the amenities that people can enjoy within the spaces (playparks, youth facilities, seating, bins) and the paths that people use within the village to access both these spaces and other parts of the village.
There are two playparks in the village - the largest is in Marchbank Park adjacent to Dean Park Primary School, with a smaller playpark created within the Kingfisher Park development off Somerville Road.
In addition to the main sites, Balerno is also home to Malleny Gardens, owned by the National Trust, which contains a walled garden of historical significance alongside a Georgian Manor House which is currently not open to the public.
Other greenspaces of significance in Balerno include the Ravelrig Walled garden, which was originally part of the grounds of Ravelrig House. 
Community feedback indicates that people are keen for greenspaces to be protected maintained and enhanced, with improvements to the amenities that people can expect and experience within them.  They would like to see key paths improved and safe walking and cycling routes established to allow them to access and enjoy these spaces.
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Green Belt
There is overwhelming support for maintenance of the Green Belt around Balerno.
There is a prevailing view that regeneration should not extend to any expansion of the built environment. Having said that there is also serious concern about the absence of necessary infrastructure. There is also broad agreement that is there has to be development then community benefit is the absolute priority.
Balerno is to all intents and purpose surrounded by Green Belt which acts as a real buffer limiting urban development.
There is a strong presumption against most development within Green Belts, aiming to keep land permanently open. Green Belts  provide access to open space, boost biodiversity, aid in climate change mitigation, and protect agricultural land.
The Green Belt around Balerno is considered to be under threat from ongoing development pressure. Developers have consistently targeted areas around Balerno for housing, often arguing that such development is necessary to meet housing needs in the Edinburgh region.
Balerno Community Council’s current position on protecting the green belt is set out in Ch 3 and p11 of ‘Our Village, Our Community” 2019.
Ravelrig Quarry

Ravelrig Quarry is a site to the north west of Balerno village. The quarry will be operational until 2050. There is currently no prospect that it would be extended beyond that date. Reinstatement of the site at closure would be the responsibility of the operator, currently Tarmac UK.  

Balerno residents showed strong support for nature-based restoration through rewilding, woodland and grassland, with high demand for public access with some interest in destination leisure uses including climbing etc. 

There was strong opposition to landfill and housing development, and concern to ensure management and legal guarantees  of restoration.

The Plan Proposal is for an option between
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Option 1: Rewilded country park
Option 2: Nature + Recreation Hybrid Park
Option 3: Landscape-Led Adventure Destination
Option 4: Ecological Reserve with Limited Access