From empty fields..to surrounded by newbuilds: Couple say they are facing a 'nightmare' over plans for nearly 1,000 new homes next to their isolated cottage

By OLIVIA CHRISTIE, NEWS REPORTER Published: 14:28, 16 June 2026 | Updated: 14:34, 16 June 2026 A couple who have lived in an isolated cottage for decades face being surrounded on all sides by 1,000 new-build homes after 'nightmare' plans were lodged with the council.  Stan and Margot Gowrie, both 73, bought their cottage in a patch of open countryside in Mayfield, near Edinburgh, Scotland, half a century ago. But the fields that were once used for growing crops and gave them views for miles around could be about to be covered by 926 new builds. The couple fear the development, which has been proposed by construction company Barratt Redrow, will cause them years of noise, traffic and disruption.  They are also concerned they will not be able to find a buyer for their home due to the building work, which is expected to take around ten years to complete. The plans were first submitted several years ago but were later revised and agreed in principle in 2023. However, last week they were delayed again by planning officials. Mr Gowrie said: 'We will be surrounded to the side, to the back, and to the front. It's a constant worry. An aerial view of the Gowries home which would be surrounded by 1,000 new-build homes under recent proposals  Picture: Stan Gowrie who has spoken out against the proposals for the new development  Plans to show the proposed development which will surround Stan and Margot Gowrie's countryside home 'The road in front of the house is going to be the access and exit to all the developments.' The couple said when they got married at the age of 23, they moved into their cottage because they wanted to live in a quiet location. 'In those days it was very quiet - the road in front of our house had the odd car going along it,' Mr Gowrie added.  'All the extra traffic is going to be passing my house. It's just going to be terrible. 'People say, "well, why don't you just move?" 'But who's going to buy the house knowing that there's going to be 1,000 houses built around the building? I don't think anybody would.' The plans for the 926 houses were delayed following a meeting of Midlothian Council's planning committee last week Councillors raised concerns about a number of 'unanswered questions' regarding work that would need to be carried out before building work starts. Neighbours have sided with the Gowries on social media, saying the area 'won't be able to cope' with the large number of houses. One said: 'Every time I drive past your cottages, I think how lucky you are to have that fabulous view. You are right to be angry.' The Gowries' home which will be surrounded on all sides by new housing development The couple said when they got married at the age of 23, they moved into their cottage because they wanted to live in a quiet location Another added: 'We are also on the same road, just along from this couple, frequently get visited by local deer and other wildlife - the area won't cope with 1000 houses.' A third said: 'Does not make any difference how many consultations and meetings they have, they have made up their minds and will go ahead. 'It happens all over, don't know why they bother holding consultations! It is the same with putting objections in it still goes ahead regardless how many they get.' A spokesperson for Midlothian Council said following this week's meeting: 'Planning Committee members decided to defer decisions on the respective application to hold a dedicated workshop, preferably including the developers, to consider the factors of infrastructure, facilities and impact to determine the applications.' Barratt Redrow told Edinburgh Live they are liaising with the council.  Bosses said the developer aims to maintain a constructive dialogue with officers and members. The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.