Tag: city council

Green light for Ocean Terminal planning application

CITY Councillors have today (10 January) given their unanimous approval for a major planning application redeveloping the Ocean Terminal centre at Leith waterfront. 

The Ocean Terminal Masterplan has been in development and consultation with the local community since 2020, and promises to deliver a sustainable new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront with the provision of new homes in addition to community amenities, health and leisure facilities for people from all over the Capital and further afield. 

Planning consent for the first phase of the masterplan, for part-demolition of the multi-storey car park and former Debenhams retail unit, was received in autumn 2022. Phase 2, which has received approval from councillors today, will deliver the full Masterplan with the provision of a pedestrian-centred waterfront, new mixed-use community amenities comprising residential, retail and commercial spaces, and high-quality public realm spaces. 

During the hearing of City of Edinburgh Council’s Development Management Sub-Committee, councillors commended the developer’s attention to detail and incorporation of key Council and national priorities including housing provision, green space provision, community amenity and sustainability. 

Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owner of Ocean Terminal, said: ““Having worked closely with residents, businesses, locally-elected representatives and planning officers at the City of Edinburgh Council since 2020, we are delighted to have received approval for our Masterplan today.

“The result of our collaborative engagement with local stakeholders is a development which puts community front and centre.

“Our plans will meet Edinburgh’s housing needs during a housing emergency, support the vibrancy of Leith waterfront with the creation of new commercial units, serve our community through various amenities including a supermarket and medical centre, and embed sustainability. 

“With planning approvals in place, we look forward to delivering this vision for a new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront.”

The plans amount to a £250 million investment in Leith’s waterfront, retaining and creating over 600 local jobs, with further job opportunities during the construction phase, and had won the support of neighbouring businesses and community groups.

Brendan Reilly, President of Leith Chamber of Commerce said: “We at the Leith Chamber of Commerce are delighted to hear that the proposed transformation of Ocean Terminal has gained consent.

“The redevelopment of this area will improve and add significant enjoyment value to the cosmopolitan and European feel that visitors and residents alike already experience when spending time in this thriving area that is Leith.”

Over 530 new homes with multiple tenure options will be constructed under the Masterplan, with a key focus being residential amenity with secure courtyard gardens and raised terraces. 

Opening up access to the waterfront and The Royal Yacht Britannia via an extension to Ocean Drive, the project will re-connect the new neighbourhood back to Leith. Together with the re-imagined retail centre, the high-quality public realm spaces will create a safe, vibrant neighbourhood and new waterfront destination for the wider community.

Neil Whatley, Associate Director at Keppie Design which developed the architectural design of the proposals, said: “Keppie is delighted that the City of Edinburgh Council has approved the proposals for Phase 2 of the re-imaging of the existing retail centre, securing its future retention and operation as a key local amenity and introducing a new, residential-led, mixed-use neighbourhood.

“Ambassador Investment Management’s bold and determined vision will allow the Ocean Terminal project to buck the current trend for whole-scale retail demolition – instead retaining and reimagining the existing asset, creating an outward looking development, integrated into a wider, residential-led urban environment that embodies the rich history, character and vibrant spirit of Leith.”

Colin Smith, Director, Head of Planning Scotland at Turley, acting for Ambassador Investment Management said: “This approval marks a significant milestone in Ocean Terminal and Leith’s regeneration, completing the strategic reshaping of Ocean Terminal from an inward-looking, retail and leisure driven commercial centre, to an outward-looking, mixed-use town centre.

“The dynamic neighbourhood will enhance the quality of living, working and leisure space for all, including new public realm next to the waterfront.

“Key sustainability and climate change objectives from the National Planning Framework 4 – which supports the recycling of assets, such as brownfield land, promotes local living and compact urban growth – are delivered by this development, providing convenient, accessible, mixed-tenure living, well connected to the wider city.”

Edinburgh Accessibility Commission ‘to help make streets inclusive for everyone’

An Accessibility Commission is to be formally established to make sure Edinburgh’s public spaces are as inclusive as possible for disabled people.

On Thursday (11 January) Transport and Environment Committee will be asked to note the next steps for establishing the commission, including its Terms of Reference. These will cover the roles and responsibilities of Commissioners, who will represent a range of accessibility, disability, walking and public transport organisations (see below*).

In December, internationally recognised disability activist Zara Todd was appointed as chair of the Accessibility Commission. Ms Todd, who has previously been chair of Inclusion London and deputy chair of public body Equality 2025, has advised the British Council, the Fundamental Rights Agency and Transport for London on disability and accessibility issues, and has over 20 years’ experience in chairing and facilitating inclusive meetings.

She will lead the Accessibility Commission in providing independent advice to the Council on the challenges, opportunities and actions required to make sure the city’s public streets and spaces are accessible for disabled people.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I am proud that Edinburgh is a welcoming and diverse city, but it’s clear that there is much work to be done to make it truly accessible and inclusive for everyone.

“In the coming decade transport in our capital will evolve substantially to accommodate growth, tackle congestion and respond to the climate emergency.

“This transition is also a huge opportunity to a create a more equal city, and the Accessibility Commission is there to help ensure that happens.

“The Accessibility Commission will focus on addressing that challenge, and listening to the needs of disabled people to make our streets and public spaces as accessible as possible.

“Zara Todd brings with her a wealth of personal and professional experience which will be invaluable to the Commission’s aims. As a resident of Edinburgh she knows what works here, and also where we have made mistakes in recent years.

“I look forward to working with her, and other Commission members, to make Edinburgh a better place for everyone to live, work and visit.”

Zara Todd said: “As a disabled Edinburgh resident it is great to see the council taking accessibility seriously, I look forward to working with everybody involved.“

The establishment of an Accessibility Commission follows several motions from councillors in support of Transport for All’s Equal Pavements Pledge, which commits to ensuring streets are accessible for everyone.

Progress has been made to set up the group, including discussions around challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing Edinburgh’s public streets and spaces, along with the role, remit and membership of a new Accessibility Commission.

It is intended to hold the Commission’s first meeting next month.

Read the full Accessibility Commission report being considered by Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday, 11 January. 

*Commissioners comprise a representative from each of the following organisations:

  • Edinburgh Access Panel
  • Edinburgh Trams
  • Equality and Rights Network
  • Euan’s Guide
  • HCL Transport
  • Inclusion Scotland
  • Living Streets Edinburgh Group
  • Lothian Buses
  • Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living
  • Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland
  • National Federation for the Blind Scotland
  • People First (Scotland)
  • Royal National Institute of Blind People
  • Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans
  • Sustrans
  • The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (Scotland)
  • The Scottish Assembly

Edinburgh sets 29 January date for pavement parking ban

Enforcement against parking on pavements, parking at dropped kerbs and double parking will begin in Edinburgh on Monday, 29 January.

National regulations giving councils the power to enforce the new rules came into effect on 11 December. The change addresses the inconvenience inconsiderate parking causes to all road users, in particular those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and people with pushchairs.

Following an assessment of more than 5000 roads officers have identified a small number of streets where there is significant pavement parking and have written to these properties to help them prepare for the measures.

Once the ban is in place monitoring will continue to ascertain whether any of these streets require mitigation measures, such as double-yellow lines, to minimise potential negative impacts on the wider road network.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “These new rules are about making our streets safer and more accessible for everyone, in particular those with visual impairments or mobility issues.

“I’ve heard from many people who say the change will make their day-to-day life much easier. I have also been pleased to hear that, as a result of our publicity campaign, pavement parking is already reducing in some areas.

“Officers have been working hard over recent months to prepare for the changes coming into force and have been in contact with residents on streets where pavement parking is a real problem. I am proud that Edinburgh is leading the way on enforcing the ban, and that all political parties here agree that no street should be exempt.

“I would expect everyone to adhere to the new prohibitions once in place, but we’ll continue to monitor streets across the city to make sure the impacts on the wider network are minimal.”

The Council has always supported a ban on pavement parking and has collaborated closely with Living Streets and Guide Dogs Scotland to lobby for the introduction of controls in Scotland. This will help ensure Edinburgh’s roads and footways are accessible for all, which is central to our vision of an equal, accessible and sustainable city as part of the City Mobility Plan.

The prohibitions first featured in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, though the necessary regulations required to support the enforcement and appeals procedures have only recently been finalised by Transport Scotland.

Anyone found to be parked on a pavement, double parked, parked at a crossing point or parked on a verge between roads and pavements could be subject to a £100 fine, reduced to £50 if paid within the first 14 days. There are no exemptions in place.

Find out more about the new parking rules, and report incorrectly parked vehicles, on the Council website.

Lord Provost looks forward to 2024

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge takes a view on the year ahead

As the dust settles on what has been another exciting year, I have been looking ahead to what the next year holds for our city.

In 2024, we mark Edinburgh 900 which represents almost a millennium of shared history centred on our fantastic and fascinating city. I’m delighted that work is now underway to prepare for next year’s anniversary as the working group continue to meet over the coming months. I look forward to a great programme of events which will examine how Edinburgh came to be over the centuries, celebrate where it is now, and reflect its future ambitions and aspirations.

St Giles, one of our most famous landmarks, will also celebrate its 900th year as a working church in 2024. The Cathedral plays a central role in the city’s history and is a huge asset to both the Old Town and the nation. As a quiet space, it provides an important place to find peace and solace but also as a centre for civic services for which I am very grateful.

At the end of June, I’ll welcome His Majesty the King to the city for Royal Week where we’ll undertake the historic Ceremony of the Keys.  

With Armed Forces Day also in June and Remembrance Sunday in November, these are two key annual events in 2024 when I will reconfirm my commitment to our veterans and the significant service community here in Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh Fire Brigade will celebrate another important anniversary in 2024, marking 200 years since the first municipal fire service in the world was created. It was a pleasure to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station earlier this year, to mark the opening of the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage. I would like to express my gratitude to all the emergency services in Edinburgh who do such a fantastic job keeping us all safe.

Edinburgh truly is an innovative global city, and we are privileged to enjoy such close relationships with cities across the world. In 2024, we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of our very first twinning with Munich. We have since gone on to twin with thirteen other cities around the globe, including Dunedin who we will celebrate fifty years with, and Florence who we will mark sixty years with. I look forward to marking these milestones in 2024 and fostering these valuable relationships in the years to come.

Like Edinburgh, the Polish city of Krakow is a UNESCO City of Literature and one of our partner cities. We have enjoyed a strong partnership with the city since 1995 and I look forward to renewing our friendship in 2024. I am similarly thrilled that the UNESCO Cities of Literature Conference will be held in Edinburgh next year, reaffirming our place as a world leading literary city.

Marking twenty years since the creation of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network when Edinburgh received its designation as the very first UNESCO City of Literature, we will welcome representatives from over forty other Literary Cities to celebrate the achievements of the past twenty years and plan for the future.

Finally, I’d like to draw attention to the fantastic volunteers and voluntary sector in the city. Alongside my Deputy Lieutenants, Volunteer Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC), I have made several nominations from the community for a King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024. I look forward to seeing the results when they’re announced next year.

These are just a few of the exciting things that are in the pipeline for the year ahead.

As Lord Provost, it was my privilege to represent our wonderful city in 2023. I look forward to continuing to deliver on this work in 2024.

94% of Capital residents ‘satisfied with Edinburgh as a place to live’

Ninety-four percent of Capital residents are satisfied with Edinburgh as a place to live, according to a large-scale city survey.

Around 3,700 residents were interviewed face-to-face between July and September 2023 for the 2023 Edinburgh Partnership Survey.

The survey was commissioned by The Edinburgh Partnership to inform best practice, strategy development and outcome monitoring across the Partnership including informing the Local Outcome Improvement Plan.

Most residents report feeling very satisfied with Edinburgh as a place to live, with 74% of respondents said they were satisfied with services provided by The City of Edinburgh Council.

The survey found that satisfaction was high with public transport, ease of getting around, parks and green and blue spaces, sport and leisure services, and health services.

Results also demonstrated that deprivation is the most significant factor impacting the experience of life, living in Edinburgh, and receiving services.

It shows that those in the 20% most deprived areas have an experience that is substantially worse than people who live in other areas of Edinburgh. Of those who took part in the survey, more than a quarter of residents had not paid a household bill, paid a bill using credit, or used a food bank in the past twelve months.

Most participants reported feeling very safe in general, but much less safe in their neighbourhood after dark. When asked what would make them feel safer, over half suggested additional police presence.

The majority of people who took part said their satisfaction was lowest with the management of antisocial behaviour, road safety, and cleanliness of neighbourhoods.

Councillor Cammy Day, Council Leader, said: “I’m delighted that our residents are so satisfied with Edinburgh as a place to live.

“It is also heartening to see that people have recognised the hard work Council staff put in to supporting and delivering our services.

“Research like the Edinburgh Partnership Survey is incredibly insightful for our own future planning and the feedback will help us to keep improving the way we serve Edinburgh’s residents.

“The rise in inflation and the continuing cost-of-living crisis mean that many residents are facing the most difficult financial circumstances ever, but we are working extremely hard to lessen the impacts.

“The reality is that we are Scotland’s lowest funded council and ending poverty is not something we can do alone.

“I remain committed to doing my utmost as Council Leader along with colleagues and our city’s partners to improving the situation here in Edinburgh as there’s still a lot more work to do.”

The results of the survey, which were jointly funded by members of The Edinburgh Partnership, were designed to provide a proportionate sample of Edinburgh residents.

Read the full summary of results from the 2023 Edinburgh Partnership Survey.

Edinburgh_Partnership_Survey_2023Download

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay: Road and street closures start today

Torchlight procession road closures

    Edinburgh’s Hogmanay takes place from 29 December to 1 January.

    To allow events to take place, the city council will have temporary restrictions across the city centre. The closures will start today (Wednesday 27 December) and end on Tuesday 2 January.

    The restrictions will affect:

    • parking
    • waiting
    • loading
    • unloading
    • pedestrian access.

    Please note that these planned closures and restrictions may be subject to change.

    Road closures

    From 8am on Wednesday 27 December to 5pm on Tuesday 2 January

    Castle Street from Princes Street to Rose Street will be closed.

    From 7pm on Saturday 30 December to 10am on Monday 1 January

    • Frederick Street from Princes Street to Rose Street
    • Princes Street from South Charlotte Street to The Mound and Hanover Street to South Saint David Street
    • Waverley Bridge

    From 5pm on Sunday 31 December to 6am on Monday 1 January

    • Bank Street
    • Castle Street from Rose Street to George Street
    • George IV Bridge – the northbound side of the road from Chambers Street to Royal Mile
    • Hanover Street from Princes Street to George Street
    • Meuse Lane
    • Mound
    • Mound Place
    • North Bank Street
    • Princes Street from the Mound to Hanover Street and South Saint David Street to North Bridge
    • Ramsay Gardens
    • Ramsay Lane
    • Register Place
    • South Saint Andrew Street
    • South Saint David Street
    • Saint Giles Street from North Bank Street to the safety barrier
    • West Register Street Lane
    • West Register Street

    From 7pm on Sunday 31 December to 3am on Monday 1 January

    • Hope Street Lane
    • Lothian Road southbound from Princes Street to Castle Terrace and northbound from the West Approach Road to Princes Street
    • Shandwick Place from Stafford Street to Princes Street
    • South Charlotte Street

    From 7pm on Sunday 31 December to 6am on Monday 1 January

    • Cockburn Street
    • Frederick Street from Rose Street to junction of Hill Street and Thistle Street
    • George Street from Frederick Street to Hanover Street
    • Market Street – 30 metres east along from Waverley Bridge
    • North Castle Street from George Street to junction of Young Street and Hill Street
    • Rose Street
    • Rose Street North Lane
    • Rose Street South Lane

    Streets closed to pedestrians

    From 7pm on Sunday 31 December to 10am on Monday 1 January

    • Castle Street from Princes Street to George Street
    • Frederick Street from Princes Street to George Street
    • Hanover Street from Princes Street to George Street
    • Market Street from Waverley Bridge to the Mound
    • Mound
    • Mound Place
    • North Bank Street
    • Princes Street from South Charlotte Street to North Bridge
    • Ramsay Gardens
    • Ramsay Lane
    • Mound precinct – pedestrian area beside the National Galleries.

    King’s Theatre awarded £2 million by the UK Government to make theatre accessible for everyone

    The King’s Theatre has been awarded £2 million from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, a welcome boost to the ongoing redevelopment project which began in February 2023.

    This funding will help us make the King’s fully accessible for the first time in the building’s history, with level entrances and an accessible journey from street to seat and street to stage, including large lifts providing access to all floors, a 50% increase in wheelchair spaces, and improved signage throughout.

    The ambitious £35.6 million redevelopment also features new state-of-the-art back of house facilities to attract a broader variety of productions to the theatre, a new street level cafe – the first step into what will be a thriving community hub for Tollcross, new bars and entertaining spaces, and a double height Creative Engagement Studio to inspire a life-long love of theatre across generations.

    Fiona Gibson, CEO of Capital Theatres said: “We are absolutely thrilled by this generous investment in the redevelopment of the King’s Theatre from the Community Ownership Fund. This enables us to ensure the King’s offers a fully accessible welcome to audiences, artists and staff alike and preserves it for future generations.   

    “We are immensely grateful for all the support received so far to make this project possible and to save the beloved King’s Theatre for Tollcross, Edinburgh and beyond. It is fantastic to have the input of the Community Ownership Fund, and we hope it inspires more people to support us in protecting this treasured building for the long term.”  

    Council Leader Cammy Day said: I’m delighted at the news that the King’s Theatre has been awarded £2 million from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund. In February we committed £3 million in this year’s budget so it’s encouraging to see that the importance of this Edinburgh institution has been recognised.

    “For over a century the King’s has been an integral part of Edinburgh’s cultural landscape, much loved by residents and visitors alike. I along with the rest of the city can’t wait to see her reopened once refurbishment works are completed in 2025.”

    Castlebrae summit discusses fireworks disorder

    A summit on fireworks between the Council, partner agencies, community representatives, local MPs, MSPs and councillors took place yesterday (December 18) at Castlebrae Community Campus in Niddrie.

    This follows the significant level of disorder seen in the city on Bonfire Night (November 5), particularly in the Niddrie area, where emergency services were attacked with fireworks, petrol bombs, masonry, and other missiles.

    Since then, 26 people have now been charged with a total of 51 offences and police investigations remain ongoing.

    The summit, hosted by Council Leader Cammy Day, discussed the events of this year, and looked ahead to how we address Bonfire Night and fireworks use in the future. This included our preventative community work alongside partners, the future implementation of Firework Control Zones (FCZs) and other strategies. Work is already well underway in these areas.

    There will be a further summit in March 2024.

    Council Leader Cammy Day said: It was really useful to come together and discuss our collective approach to Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use.

    “Unfortunately, in recent years, Bonfire Night has become something of a focal point for potentially life-threatening disorder and violence. This year had the distinction of clear planning and premeditation on the part of those attacking police in Niddrie, which is a deeply disturbing development. I fear that unless we take decisive action now it is only a matter of time before we see serious injuries or even deaths on a future Bonfire Night.

    “I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our fantastic emergency services colleagues who do an excellent job in keeping us all safe.

    “I believe that we need to go further and ban the public sale of fireworks, such is the unprecedented risk to public safety and order. Whilst this may seem unfair to the majority of people who celebrate and use fireworks responsibly, what we have seen this year necessitates such a response. I’ll also be looking into whether we can help provide organised displays in the city, so our residents can enjoy fireworks in a safe and secure way.

    “We need to face these challenges head on, and I look forward to further summits in the New Year.”

    Council grants £10m to support communities affected by poverty

    CONNECTED COMMUNITIES: AS EVER, WINNERS AND LOSERS IN FUNDING PROGRAMME

    Tackling the impact of poverty on children, families and communities is at the heart of a £10m three year grants fund approved by the City of Edinburgh Council yesterday (Monday 18 December).

    In total 68 community-based organisations will benefit from the Connected Communities Edinburgh Grant Programme 2024-27 which was approved by the Education, Children and Families Committee.

    Organisations were invited to apply for a grant of £10k minimum and £100k maximum per year to one of three funding strands – Learning Outcomes, Health and Wellbeing and Youth Work.

    Eligibility criteria for programme included that organisations are based in Edinburgh, hold charitable status, and have an annual income under £2 million. Both NHS Lothian and Police Scotland also contributed funding to the awards.

    Item-4.1-Appendix-4-Awards-PUBLICDownload

    Eighty nine applications were assessed with total bids totalling £16.7m over three years for an available budget of £10m. This was carried out by trained assessors before going to a moderation panel consisting of the Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC), Lothian Association of Youth Clubs (LAYC) and an independent chair.

    Sixty eight organisations had their bids approved either in full or partially with the new grants programme running from 1 April 2024 through to 31 March 2027.

    Councillor Joan Griffiths, Convener for the Education, Children and Families Committee, said: “The Connected Communities Edinburgh grants programme aims to support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and their families right across Edinburgh.

    “The three different funding strands mean we can direct resources to deliver outcomes that best support those most impacted by poverty.

    “This new programme is a really good example of partnership working at its best. We listened to third sector and voluntary organisations about their first-hand knowledge of what the need was in our communities and where funding should be directed.

    “Getting to today’s decision has involved a lengthy and really robust assessment process and I want to thank everyone who has contributed.

    £We will of course continue to monitor the progress of the funding over the coming three years to ensure the outcomes promised for our communities are being delivered.”

    Public-reports-pack-18122023-1000-Education-Children-and-Families-CommitteeDownload

    Council agrees next steps on Short Term Lets

    The following composite motion was passed at the meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council yesterday (Thursday 14 December):

    Council:

    1) Notes the decision of the Planning Committee on 23 February 2022 to designate the whole of the City of Edinburgh as a short term let (STL) control area, and the decision of 19 April 2023 to amend non-statutory guidance on STLs.

    2) Notes that both committee decisions were unanimous, reflecting the strong cross-party consensus on the need to control the numbers of STLs in Edinburgh.

    3) Notes the STL (Planning) Judicial Review issued by Lord Braid on Friday 1 December 2023, further notes the briefing note circulated to members on 6 December, and that the Council’s Planning service will consider the implications of the ruling in detail, including considering an appeal.

    4) Notes Lord Braid’s finding that the Scottish Parliament did not intend that Section 26B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1997 should have retrospective effect by requiring planning permission to be applied for where a secondary STL was in operation prior to the coming into force of the Short Term Lets Control Area; and that the judgement reduces the whole of the amendment to the ‘Guidance for Businesses’ agreed by Planning Committee on 19 April 2023, including several changes which were outside the specific scope of the judicial review.

    5) Notes that the judgement could have significant implications for the council’s approach to effective regulation of STLs.

    Council therefore:

    6) Agrees to reconvene the STL working group as soon as possible to consider the next steps for effective regulation of the STL sector in Edinburgh following the judgement, and on the practical implications of licensing powers in respect of potential breaches of planning control.

    7) Requests that a report come to Planning Committee in one cycle (excluding any special Planning Committees) detailing the implications of the Judicial Review and what outcomes this will have on Short Term Let Planning Policy and the assessment of Short Term Let Planning applications, what implication this may have for the Council’s Short Term Let Licensing Scheme, and potential amendments to the ‘Guidance for Businesses’ which comply with the judgement. This report should also be sent to the Regulatory Committee and the Short Term Lets Working Group for information.

    8) Agrees that the Leader of the Council should urgently write to the Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning to:

    a) seek clarity of the position of the Scottish Government on the principle of retrospectively requiring planning permission for STLs within a control area and,

    b) call for an emergency Bill to be introduced to the Scottish Parliament to address the legislative deficiencies in Section 26B, and failing that to consider what changes to primary or secondary legislation or other options might be required so Edinburgh Council can continue with its originally intended approach, as agreed cross-party.