The developers behind what could be Scotland's first purpose-built film studio have asked the Scottish Government to consider the £140m plans.

PSL Land Ltd, which wants to built a major film studio complex at Straiton to the south of Edinburgh, has now written to the government to "call in" and review its planning application on the grounds that a planning decision has been delayed by Midlothian Council.

PSL Land Ltd want to build a film and TV studio and backlot complex, a hotel, film school and student accommodation, a studio tour and other features.

They believe, as well as providing Scotland with a major film studio complex, it will generate 900 jobs in the area.

The planning application was submitted on 2 May and the statutory 16 week period during which the council are required to determine the application passed on 5 September.

PSL Land Ltd had until 4 December to request the Scottish Government to call-in the project for review.

The planning permission has not been granted and now it appears it may not be until June next year, after a Local Development Plan is ratified.

A PSL statement says: "Currently in week 28 of the application, the planning officers now advise that they now consider the proposal a significant departure from the Development Plan due to the site being partially in the Greenbelt.

"PSL Land Ltd would wish to state they have no issue with the assessment, but raise considerable concerns as to why it has taken until week 28 of the decision-making process to adopt this position, particularly as Midlothian Council intend in the Emerging Local Plan to remove the Greenbelt designation on the PSL Land site.

"As a result of this change in position by the Midlothian Council officials, PSL Land Ltd have lodged a request for the application to be called in by Scottish Ministers for consideration as a project of national importance."