The Damhead & District Community Council, along with numerous residents of Midlothian, strongly object to the proposed construction of the A701 relief road. This project directly contradicts our local place plan and poses a substantial threat to our community's well-being and environment.

Damhead is a unique place. It is a significant cultural landscape of smallholdings and small family farms in the Edinburgh Green Belt. The historic value of the area is also significant with its long standing heritage from WW1 when it was formed to begin with. The woodlands and meadows are an important refuge for the abundant wildlife. The importance of green open space for health benefits has never been so important as it is today.

There is a proposal to build a new road through the middle of Damhead. In the Climate and Biodiversity Crises, the last thing we need is a new road.

The road will impact on Damhead leading to loss of essential prime agricultural farmland, destroying successful land-based livelihoods, decimate the Damhead Nature Network, and undermine a thriving, resilient community, and all of its aspirations as contained in its own Local Place Plan.

This land is not only crucial for local farmers but also plays an essential role in sustaining our community's economy and food supply. It also contravenes the government’s current climate targets. Trading fertile land for tarmac is not a sustainable choice, especially when the expected benefits for road users do not outweigh the immense costs involved.

Moreover, building additional roads often encourages an increase in car usage, leading to higher emissions. This project will exacerbate the climate crisis rather than mitigate it. It's imperative to invest in more sustainable modes of transportation like active travel routes, which align with 

our community's priorities and the values outlined in our local place plan.

There is a very real risk that this project will lead to job losses and potentially the closure of local businesses which provide much needed health benefits to many.

This petition is not just an appeal to halt the construction of the A701 relief road but a call to protect our community, our environment and wildlife, and our local economy. It will affect you too. Let's prioritize developing a transportation system that nurtures community growth and ecological health rather than compromising them.

The £68million for the road will come from Scottish Government and Midlothian Council.  

We urge the authorities and decision-makers to listen to the voices of those who have signed this petition and cancel the project.  Instead, the money should urgently be invested to help meet Scotland's climate priorities.

Sign this petition to help safeguard our community’s future and yours too.