VICTORY FOR COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNERS
The Leith community is celebrating news today that the Scottish Government’s Reporter has upheld the city council’s decision to reject Drum Property’s development plans for Leith Walk. It’s a huge victory for people power and in particular Save Leith Walk’s energetic grass roots community campaign.
A spokesperson for the Save Leith Walk campaign said: “Today’s decision shows what can be done when a community organises and unites behind a common message.
“It shows the developers plans for Steads Place were completely out of step with community needs for housing, local businesses and retaining our heritage.”
Welcoming the decision, Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson said: “I’m absolutely delighted for the community that the Scottish Government’s independent Reporter has decided to uphold the decision of the SNP led Edinburgh Council and reject Drum Property’s application to demolish and over develop the Steads place site.
“Today Leith has been heard! Having been part of the ‘Save Leith Walk’ campaign since the very first meeting, the hard work and determination shown by local campaigners and the community has been incredibly inspiring. Working alongside ‘Save Leith Walk’, the Community Council and SNP colleagues Deidre Brock MP, Cllr Adam McVey, Cllr Amy Mcneese-Mechan and Cllr Rob Munn, I’m very proud that together we’ve achieved this positive result for the community and preserving Leith’s heritage.
“It’s very disappointing that Drum evicted several good businesses over the last year. However, now we can look forward to what’s next for Stead’s Place and I urge Drum to respond to the community’s aspirations in that process and support the Leith Depot’s future on the site. I’ll be doing all I can to positively influence decisions toward affordable housing and affordable business space, while preserving the current building.
“The Save Leith Walk campaign has been an excellent example that communities can make a difference towards placemaking and planning in their area, and this will be enhanced by the new Planning Act (Scotland) 2019. I look forward to continuing to work with the campaigners and the wider community in Leith to develop the area in ways that meet Leithers’ needs and aspirations.”
Leith Depot was facing closure in the New Year, but is delighted to have received an early Christmas present.
A spokesperson said: “We are happy with the Scottish Government decision today, which has refused to allow the demolition of this building within the conservation area.
“Thank you to the Save Leith Walk Campaign for bringing the community together and maintaining tireless efforts to make the case for planning polices to be upheld, public consultation to be listened to and articulating the real and creditable alternatives that have always existed for this community and within this building.
“Also, thanks to our local councillors, MP and MSP that stood with the community that objected to this planning proposal on numerous grounds.
“As for Leith Depot, we have to wait and see if there is any option available for us to remain trading. After the last 3 months of positive meetings with our landlord we remain optimistic. Obviously we will work with all involved to remain part of this building and we’ll update you all when we know more.
“Thank you ALL for your continued support!”
Also welcoming the news Cllr Neil Gardiner, the city council’s Planning Convener, said: “I’m delighted that our decision has been upheld and that the Reporter saw no good reason for this much loved 1930s building to be demolished.
“This is great news for the local community and a really good example of when we are considering a significant application like this local people can be heard, listened to and ultimately influence development in the city. We had a full day hearing for this application where the developer and community representatives were able to present to committee and answer questions.
“I do appreciate this will be disappointing for the developer. This is an important site for the city and I look forward to work with the community and developer on future plans being brought to the Council including a suitable mix of uses to breathe new life into this building and the neighbourhood.”
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Decision Notice – dated 20 December 2019 cac_651950
Decision Notice – dated 20 December 2019_651885
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