The Wester Cowden, Thornybank area forms the northeastern boundary of Dalkeith and was identified by Midlothian Council in the Finalised Midlothian Local Plan, as providing a significant development area for the expansion of Dalkeith.

A Masterplan, issued in June 2003, was prepared for the three sites with a combined area of 52 hectares and provides clear guidance on how each development site should evolve in order to achieve the intended vision.

Taylor Wimpey (formerly George Wimpey East Scotland) commissioned ark to develop proposals for Site M and secure Planning Consent through a Reserved Matters Application. The development site extends to approximately 30 acres and forms part of a west facing hillside which rises 25 metres from its lowest point on the western boundary to a high point of 90m O/D on the eastern boundary. The central, steepest part of the site has a slope of 1:8.

The design process further developed the idea of the character zones proposed in the masterplan and introduced the concept of ‘‘Journey Zones’’ and ‘‘Area Zones’’. A clear vision for each  zone was developed and presented in the application.

ark are currently embarking on detail design information to allow work to commence on the bespoke elements of the design which front the spine road.