SUPPORTERS of the grassroots campaign to save Leith Walk from a controversial student accommodation and hotel development have been urged to register their objections to a revised proposal submitted to City of Edinburgh Council ahead of a decision in the new year.
The Save Leith Walk campaign was formed in March to stop a demolition and development project in a conservation area proposed by Drum Property Group. The developer wants to build a mixed-use scheme incorporating 471 student flats, a 56-bedroom hotel, 53 so-called ‘affordable’ homes as well as a restaurant, café and retail units.
Campaigners want to save the historic two storey sandstone parade at 106-154 Leith Walk – home to independent shops, businesses and the Leith Depot bar and live music venue – which is in danger of being bulldozed if the planning application is granted.
The grassroots campaign has received widespread backing from residents and businesses. High profile figures such as The Proclaimers (above), the Young Fathers, Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn, Edinburgh council leader Adam McVey, MSPs such as Ben Macpherson, local councillors and Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh fear that the proposed demolition and development threatens Leith’s unique character and heritage. There are also growing concerns that, if it is approved, the development will give a green light to similar private developments across the city.
The developer has submitted a slight change to their original plan, which would include one fewer floor being built in the proposed block, meaning it would stand 7-storeys high at the rear and 5-storeys facing onto Leith Walk. Save Leith Walk campaigners said this does not change the nature of the proposed demolition and development and they called on people to register objections with the council.
A campaign spokesperson said: “The response from the local community to Drum’s proposed scheme has been a resounding thumbs down. The revised proposal would still see the block demolished and it does nothing to address the deep-seated concerns felt by local people that this scheme is completely out of character for the conservation area.
“The community has come up with its own vision which would retain the existing block, support independent businesses and incorporate more social and affordable housing in a manner which would strengthen Leith as a diverse, vibrant place.”
Anyone wishing to object to the proposed demolition and development needs to do so by visiting the council’s planning portal by December 21.
The spokesperson added: “Developers will often make last minute tweaks to their applications in the hope they appease concerns. That tactic won’t work with the people of Leith and the wider Edinburgh community as they are far too savvy to fall for this kind of window dressing.
“Genuine, heartfelt concerns are as strong as ever that the proposed development, even in its revised form, is wholly inappropriate for this site.”
The council’s planning committee is expected to give its recommendations regarding the planning application at the end of January 2019.
Picture: How the block could look if it is saved and developed as a community resource
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