Canonmills campaigners ‘devastated’ by reporter’s decision – but the fight goes on
The Scottish Government’s Environment and Appeals Division has found in favour of an appeal to demolish buildings on Canonmills Bridge. The decision to allow the appeal overturns a decision made by city ouncillors last summer and paves the way for a controversial new development which protesters says will dwarf surrounding buildings in the popular conservation area (writes Dave Pickering).
Edinburgh North & Leith MSP Malcolm Chisholm called the decision ‘unbelievable’.
The traditional single-storey building by Canonmills Bridge has become a popular social hub and campaigners argued that it’s demolition and the subsequent redevelopment would ‘destroy the harmonious character of the area’. They maintain that the proposed new building clearly would not preserve or enhance the conservation area – a key planning consideration.
The Save Canonmills Bridge campaigners fought an energetic campaign against the demolition last year, and their hard work was rewarded in August when the single-storey building at the centre of the planning application was granted a reprieve by the city’s planning committee.
However developers Glovart Holdings Ltd launched an appeal against the decision in November, and today the Save Canonmills Bridge team received the news they had been dreading: that Glovart’s appeal had been upheld – and that the demolition will go ahead.
It’s a bitter blow for the campaigners who worked so hard – and a kick in teeth for the thousands who signed petitions and supported the battle. However campaign leader Jan Anderson, who launched an online petition which attracted nearly 5000 signatures, vows that the fight will go on.
She said: “The Reporter has concurred with the owners and developers, rather than the unanimous planning committee and 7,000+ signatories we gathered – demolition of 1-6 Canonmills Bridge has been approved.
“The Reporter states: ‘the demolition of the building would comply with the development plan.’ It is ‘atypical‘ and ‘peripheral to the conservation area.’ Demolition is approved subject to conditions.’ This ain’t over yet.”
The reporter’s decision is final, but Save Canonmills Bridge campaigners may have one last throw of the dice. They could choose to petition the Court of Session – but their appeal would have to be made on a point of law. The group has six weeks to make that decision.
Edinburgh North and Leith MP Dierdre Brock said: “This is a very disappointing decision. The fantastic local campaign to save 1-6 Canonmills Bridge demonstrated the strength of feeling against demolition.
“The planned development is an inappropriate size for the site, and will close down the sense of space in this central hub area of Canonmills.
“It’s very sad that a building with such character will be bulldozed for a bland housing block. I’ll continue to support the campaign as they consider whether there are any further avenues to halt this decision.”
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