But the move sparked opposition from city planning chiefs who claimed the designs were "poor quality" and "unsuitable" for the green-belt land. They sent a letter of objection to Midlothian Council, urging the neighbouring local authority to throw out the plans. Now the application has been withdrawn before a decision could be reached.

The site on Biggar Road would have supported five caravans and provided a site for travellers who visit the area every year. Toilets, showers and laundry facilities would have been offered. The area is currently used for 28 days a year as a lot for the sale of Christmas trees, but otherwise lies empty. The plans, which were submitted by a Mr J McCallum, also included measures to screen the area from the road using bushes and trees.

But the city council was unhappy about the site, claiming that it would spoil a major route into Edinburgh. An official objection was lodged despite conceding that more accommodation was needed in the Lothians to cater for the travelling community.

Edinburgh City Council is currently looking for a third traveller site within the city, after recently approving plans to develop a short-term camp at Cliftonhall in Newbridge. The new settlement will provide ten pitches for temporary use by the travelling community, and there is already space for 20 families at a permanent camp in Cairntow near Duddingston.

But the council has admitted it still needs to find more room for travellers, and eventually hopes to create space for 40 families in Edinburgh in a bid to crack down on unauthorised camps.

Leader of Edinburgh's Conservatives, Iain Whyte, said: "I'm glad to hear that the developer has withdrawn this application. Everyone in Edinburgh is aware of the need to preserve green-belt land and this seemed like a low quality development which was not suitable for the area. We need more pitches for travellers in the city, but we have to ensure that suitable locations are chosen."

Midlothian Council leader Adam Montgomery said: "We have a responsibility to house travelling people and any future application will be considered on its planning merits. Edinburgh City Council did object, which would have been a material consideration, but the application was withdrawn before any decision was reached."

A spokeswoman for Midlothian Council said: "At the applicant's request, this planning application was withdrawn early this month. We do not have details as to the applicant's reasons for this decision."

Mr McCallum could not be reached for comment.
(Scotsman.com, by Alan McEwen)

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