COUNCILLORS have been urged to reject plans to demolish an Art Deco building in a conservation zone on Edinburgh’s Leith Walk when they meet today to decide its fate.
Ahead of the hearing which starts at 1pm, supporters of the grassroots Save Leith Walk campaign will gather outside City Chambers to show elected representatives how strongly the local community opposes the demolition at Stead’s Place and development of 471 student flats, 56-bedroom hotel and shops being proposed by Drum Property Group.
More than 80 per cent of householders in the immediate vicinity of Leith Walk are against Drum’s planning applications. More than 12,000 people signed a petition to save the current building and thousands of locals lodged formal objections.
Over the last eight months the grassroots community campaign Save Leith Walk carried out extensive local consultation, held public meetings, workshops, weekly street stalls and canvassed opinion.
“Unlike the developers we haven’t required the services of a paid PR company to solicit supporters for our campaign, our support has grown organically and drawn in people from all parts of our community,” said Ian Hood, Save Leith Walk spokesperson.
“It comes from people of all ages, backgrounds, people new to the area, and families whose links to Leith go back generations.
“We have spent time analysing reports, planning laws, researching architecture and town plans. We have found that the proposals fail on several key points. The community has a very strong case indeed.”
The two-story sandstone building at risk on Leith Walk is already home to successful businesses such as the popular Leith Depot bar and music venue but the developer has been running down leases in a bid to clear the site for demolition. There is a determination among locals to see the site become a thriving community hub for small start-ups, community projects, social housing and student flats.
At today’s meeting, local community council representatives, business owners and campaigners will attempt to persuade the development management sub-committee that Drum’s planning applications should be rejected.
Mr Hood continued: “What lies in front of councillors today is a choice of different visions of Leith. The developer’s plan fails the people of this area. It is so important that councillors don’t do the same.”
The committee’s decision is expected this afternoon.
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