consultation – Page 7 – The NEN

Proposals for refurbished Calton Square office building to go on display

The public is to be given the chance to share views on the proposed refurbishment of the Calton Square office building, located at the top of Leith Walk.

Being promoted by Ardstone Capital, appointed as development managers, the current occupier of the building is set to move out in April 2025. The vision for the refurbishment is to create a best-in-class office building, comparable to the best in Europe with the lowest possible carbon footprint.

Fronting onto Leith Street, Greenside Row (the pedestrian street along the Omni frontage) and Greenside Place, the building, which dates from the 1990s, needs updating and no longer meets technical standards and occupier requirements. The proposed refurbishment will also help address a chronic under-supply of top-quality Grade A office space in the capital.

To refurbish the building will require significant remodelling and intervention, replacing many elements of the existing asset including windows, façade, lifts and entrances. However, as much of the structure will be retained as possible, including the frame, with materials re-used where possible and natural stone used where appropriate.

Sustainability and net zero objectives have been established as a key consideration, delivering first class energy and environmental performance standards, with best in class Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) ratings. The current green roofscape and gardens will be enhanced, with a courtyard or atrium space provided in the centre of the building.

Car parking will be reduced and additional cycle storage and changing facilities will be provided. Accessible by foot, cycling, tram, buses and train, the refurbished building will bring significant benefits to the immediate locality, complementing the surrounding retail, commercial and residential properties.

The cost of such works will be significant and will need to be balanced by the creation of some additional usable space that provides the most efficient future use and a viable economic return. This includes providing additional accommodation without increasing the existing maximum height of the building.

Whilst not formally classed as a major development and therefore not requiring statutory consultation prior to the submission of a planning application, proper engagement with the public and other key groups is important for the asset owner and the public given the building’s prominent location in the city centre.

An informal public consultation event is therefore taking place on Tuesday 20th February, between 3pm and 7pm at St Paul’s & St George’s Church Hall, York Place Edinburgh EH1 3RH.

A website with details of the refurbishment is also available at:

www.caltonsquare.com

Commenting on this, Craig McDonald, Principal and Managing Director of Ardstone Capital UK, acting as development manager on behalf of the owner and its advisory team, said: ““While occupying a top-grade location, the existing building no longer provides office space that suits current occupier requirements and fails to meet current statutory requirements in several important areas. It also fails to engage with or contribute to the street life and immediate surroundings.

“Our proposals aim to address these issues and deliver an office building comparable to the best in Europe with the lowest possible carbon footprint. In addition, it will address the recognised demand for top quality office space in the capital while making an important contribution to the city.

“We urge the local community to come and share their views on our proposals.”

New Mural: granton:hub wants to hear your views

We would like to get your thoughts and ideas for a new mural at the entrance to Speirs Bruce Way on the corrugated iron fence at Granton Castle Walled Garden. We are in the process of commissioning an artist to carry out the work, with guidance from people in the community.

The mural will be painted onto boards and mounted on fencing in a similar manner to the existing mural further along the wall on the same path. It is being organised by granton:hub, who have been awarded funding by ArtRoots/Sustrans.

The mural is to reflect the history and culture of the local area and so we would like to find out what people from Granton would want to see captured in the mural. If you’d like to let us know your thoughts and ideas please fill the form, link below, at our link in bio or on our websitem It should only take about 5 minutes (depending on how many thoughts and ideas you have of course!)

Our website:

https://www.grantonhub.org/…/we-want-to-hear-your…

Survey link:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx…

Have your say on Victoria Park’s bowling greens

Victoria Park’s Bowling Greens Consultation Workshop!

Come and talk with us at our in-person workshop at the Pollock Pavilion, The Boys’ Brigade, located at 227 Ferry Road, EH6 4SP, on Monday 26th February from 6pm to 8pm.

This is a fantastic opportunity to delve deeper into proposals discussed at our previous event, share your valuable ideas, and actively contribute to the thriving green spaces in Victoria Park.

Agenda:

Review of previous proposals

Brainstorming and idea-sharing session

Comprehensive discussion

Confirm your attendance by sending an email to: thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk.

The City of Edinburgh Council

Scottish Government consultation: Have you say on Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill

The Scottish Government’s consultation on a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill is open until 21 April 2024.

The proposals aim to better protect, respect and champion the rights of autistic and neurodivergent people, and those with learning disabilities.

Have your say http://consult.gov.scot/…/learning-disabilities-autism…

Draft plan to tackle effects of climate change in Scotland

Views sought on proposals for greater resilience to climate change

Members of the public are being asked to give their views on how climate change is currently impacting Scotland.

A newly-launched public consultation is also seeking views on how to protect and restore nature, improve green spaces in local areas and help prepare businesses for both the risks and the opportunities presented by climate change.

The consultation focuses on a draft Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 (SNAP3), setting out proposals for managing the current and future impacts of climate change in Scotland. The increasing frequency of extreme weather such as storms, flooding, and heat will have impacts across society, ranging from agricultural production to critical supply chains for vital foods, goods and services.

The draft plan also outlines the potential economic opportunities for Scotland, such as the development of new, innovative products and services which support Scotland’s resilience to climate change. Examples include battery storage, new insurance products and expertise in areas such as heritage restoration.

Responses from the consultation will help shape actions to prepare Scotland for climate change, as well as provide direction for future Government investment.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Màiri McAllan marked the publication of the draft plan at a visit to the Levern Water River Restoration project in East Renfrewshire.

The recently completed adaptation project is already providing multiple benefits to the local community, including lowering the risk of flooding, connecting nature networks to restore habitats and protect wildlife, and providing active travel opportunities for people including for staff and pupils at Carlibar Primary School.

Ms McAllan said: “As we have seen in recent times Scotland is not immune from the impacts of climate change – 2023 was the hottest year on record and storms have battered the country this winter, impacting families, communities and businesses.

“As highlighted in the UK’s Climate Change Committee’s latest assessment report, we are taking notable steps forward on adaptation policy, however planning and preparation is always better than response and recovery. The decisions we make today must stand the test of time.

“Businesses, public sector, the third sector, communities and individuals all stand to benefit from learning more about their exposure to climate change risks and – crucially – how they can respond and what support is available. And just like our work to reduce carbon emissions, adaptation action also needs to be grounded in fairness, equality and seizing economic opportunities.

“I urge everyone to take part in the consultation so we can build a more climate resilient Scotland for future generations.”

East Renfrewshire Council Leader, Owen O’Donnell said: “We are very proud of the recent transformation of the Levern Water – an area which had previously been derelict for decades.

“A wider, more natural river channel has been restored to the river, encouraging more fish and wildlife and helping to future proof it against flooding and the impact of climate change. It’s been fantastic to see that the new flood plain has successfully held up against the various storms experienced this winter.

“Attractive and accessible greenspace is so important to communities and this project has been able to provide over a hectare of wildflower meadows, woodlands and a riverside path network – connecting schools, shops and the train station.

“Pupils from Carlibar Primary have been doing a great job in helping to monitor the ongoing health and biodiversity of the Levern Water with support from the Clyde River Foundation, even rearing trout in their classrooms to be released into the river in spring.”

Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive of SEPA, said: “As Scotland’s Environment Protection Agency, we’re on the front line of global action to tackle our climate and nature emergencies. Through innovation and collaboration, we aim to help build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable nation.

“Projects like the Levern Water restoration underscore that effort, and stand as a testament to the positive outcomes that can be achieved through working together on regenerative initiatives.

“The adaption plan is crucial to future success, and with early engagement, we ensure that our decisions today pave the way for a Scotland that’s not just ready for change, but thrives in the midst of it.”

The Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29 = https://consult.gov.scot/energy-and-climate-change-directorate/scottish-climate-adaptation-plan will be open for public consultation until the 24 April.

Edinburgh residents urged to give their views on energy efficiency

The City of Edinburgh Council is asking residents to give their feedback on a long-term plan for decarbonising heat in buildings and improving energy efficiency.

With six weeks to go until the consultation closes on 3 March, residents across the capital are being asked to share their views on the Edinburgh Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) and Delivery Plan. Available to take part in online, the results will be used to build on the engagement and consultation carried out to date.

The Council has prepared the Edinburgh LHEES, along with a Delivery Plan, in response to the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (Scotland) Order 2022. The policy requires all Scottish local authorities to publish a LHEES, and a Delivery Plan, by the end of 2023.

The Edinburgh LHEES sets out a strategic approach which aims to improve the energy efficiency and decarbonise the heat supply of buildings. It also plans to eliminate poor energy efficiency as a driver of fuel poverty.

Using an area-wide approach, the plan addresses all buildings in the Edinburgh area, not just the Council’s own building stock.

The Delivery Plan, which focuses on actions between 2024 and 2028, sets out short to medium term actions associated with the implementation of the strategy. It prioritises areas where actions may be easier, cheaper, or have a known outcome. For example, adding loft insultation means less heat escapes through the loft.

Councillor Cammy Day, Council Leader, said: “My thanks go to everyone who has taken the time to share their views with us so far. The unfortunate reality is that we are in a climate emergency.

“There is still time to avert disaster if we take bold and immediate action at the speed and scale necessary. That’s why we have set the ambitious but necessary target for Edinburgh to become a net zero city by 2030.

“Whilst we continue to lead the way in our efforts, we still have a long road ahead to reach our goal in addressing the climate and nature emergencies. As part of our work, I am pleased to welcome the Edinburgh Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan which sets out how our buildings can move to net zero.

“The plan is relevant to all owners and occupiers of Edinburgh’s buildings, but it can only be delivered by the combined effort of all of us. I’m very keen to engage with our residents on this important plan and hope this consultation allows them the opportunity to have their voices heard.”

The consultation closes on Sunday 3 March. Find out more and share views here.

Residents urged to help Edinburgh lead the way on climate action

Edinburgh residents are being asked to play a key role in shaping the city’s response to the climate and nature emergencies.

Launched yesterday, a 12-week consultation will seek views on a draft Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan – an ambitious strategy designed to adapt the city to ensure Edinburgh rises to the challenge of climate change.

Available to take part in online, the consultation findings will be used to finalise the policy before it is presented to Councillors in the Spring.

If adopted, the Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan is expected to become one of the city – and country’s — leading climate action plans, bolstered by ambitious work that is already underway in Edinburgh to tackle carbon emissions and head towards net zero by 2030.

It comes after Councillors considered the second annual 2030 Climate Strategy and city-wide carbon emissions report, which measures progress against agreed actions to reduce emissions and help the city achieve its net zero target by 2030.

Much climate adaptation work is already underway in Edinburgh, which this draft plan aims to build on. Its primary aim will be to guide changes to the city to safeguard people and wildlife from the risks posed by climate change.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Climate change will affect everyone in Edinburgh, there is no question of that. Some residents and communities will be more vulnerable than others to these changes and it is our duty to defend them from risks such as the sea level rising and threats to biodiversity.

“We know tackling climate change and poverty go hand in hand and this Plan aims to ensure we are adapting in ways that benefit all citizens and communities equally.

“It is bold and ambitious in its approach and aims, but much like our net zero goals for Edinburgh, this is absolutely essential if we are to properly confront the climate emergency. It is undoubtedly the key existential challenge of our times.

“I’m very keen that we engage with communities, ensuring we are inclusive in our decision making and all voices are represented. Listening to our communities will be a key focus as we adapt to climate change.

“What’s clear, however, is that we can’t do this alone. As a Council, we can shape and influence change through our policies and plans, but this needs to be a team effort, a pulling together of resources and plans across the public, private and voluntary sectors. That’s why I’m so grateful to the Edinburgh Adapts Group for jointly developing this plan with us. It has involved climate experts and industry from all of the city joining forces.”

Gordon Reid, Scottish Water General Manager for Zero Emissions and Chair of the Edinburgh Adapts Partnership Group, said: “We are already seeing the impact of climate change in Edinburgh, so its great to see this consultation start on how we adapt Edinburgh to climate change.

“It will affect us all and we will have to act. In my own organisation, we are already investing in Edinburgh to deliver climate change adaptation and are working closely with the council on this. However, we need united action and funding from many partners.”

The draft plan priority themes are in the following eight areas:

Planning and the built environment: actions that will help to mitigate the effects of climate change by making our buildings and infrastructure more resilient.
Water management and resilience: actions to tackle flooding and associated impacts from severe weather events.
Coastal adaptation: actions to manage sea level rises and the impact to our coastline and surrounding communities.
Sustainable transport: actions to support a well-connected city.
Safeguarding and enhancing our natural environment: actions that will support our natural environment and biodiversity.
Strong, healthy community and economy: actions to support our communities, addressing climate justice, to create a thriving city.
Building understanding of climate risk: actions to continue to ensure our understanding of how the climate is changing and the impacts of this to the city are based on the latest climate science.
Governance and risk: actions to drive delivery and partnership working.

Take part in the consultation until 7 April 2024.

Final call to take part in Edinburgh’s visitor levy survey

EDINBURGH residents and visitors have less than one week left to take part in a survey about the city’s plans to introduce a charge on all overnight stays.

With over 2,600 responses already received over the past six weeks, final feedback is being called for before the survey closes on Friday 19 January. The results will be used to inform formal public consultation this spring.

The questionnaire follows the same format to market research carried out back in 2018 which showed strong support (85% backing) for the introduction of a levy in the city.

Since then, Edinburgh’s proposals have been developed further alongside the long-awaited Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced to Parliament in May.

The Bill means Scotland may be the first place in the UK to legislate for a visitor levy this year, giving local authorities the ability to introduce charges such as those already widespread across Europe.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’ve had a fantastic response so far and I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their views with us. Clearly this is a subject residents and visitors feel strongly about and we’re keen to make sure their views shape the proposals and largescale consultation we bring forward in just a few months time.

“We’ve been seeing visitor numbers edge back up towards pre-pandemic levels and new figures from the Scottish Retail Consortium show footfall in Edinburgh has risen 6.4%, bucking a national decline. The Winter Festivals have also proved hugely successful and Edinburgh continues to top charts as one of the best places to visit in the world.

“A levy presents a major opportunity for us to generate millions of pounds in additional revenue to support, sustain and develop the city and this visitor economy – just as so many other major cities do so successfully. It is a way of trying to rebalance the debate and make sure positives are brought back to the industry, to the city, and to our local communities.

“Please take this chance to have your say.”

The council says the Winter Festival programme alone generates £48 million for the city’s economy.

The survey forms part of ongoing engagement work with industry and stakeholders, with officers seeking views on the shape and size of the levy, who it should apply to, and how the funds raised should be invested.

Further industry engagement includes meetings with the Edinburgh Hotels Association (EHA) and Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG). A series of one-to-one and group meetings with local and national tourism groups and other local government officials is also continuing to take place.

Scottish Government consults on ending conversion practices

Consultation on measures to protect people from harm

Views are being sought on planned legislation to end conversion practices which seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

The consultation presents detailed information on proposals for legislation in Scotland, setting out what the law would cover and how it would work in practice.

The proposed legislation seeks to prevent and respond to harmful acts while protecting existing freedoms including speech, religion and belief.

Situations that could be covered by the proposed legislation, if carried out with the intention to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity and which cause that person harm, include:

therapy or counselling that requires a person to change or suppress on their same sex attraction
prescribing medication to suppress a person’s sex drive
repeatedly or continuously controlling a person’s activities and appearance
repeatedly or continuously threatening or humiliating someone

Equalities Minister Emma Roddick said: “Conversion practices, which aim to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, are damaging and destructive acts that violate people’s human rights. Sadly, these practices still happen today and they have absolutely no place in Scotland.

“In taking forward our commitment to ban conversion practices we are leading the way in the UK and joining the growing list of countries acting to address this harm.

“The consultation responses we receive will help us to further consider those measures we can take to stop the harm of conversion practices and protect those at risk while ensuring that freedoms – including freedoms of speech, religion, and belief – are safeguarded.”

Chief Executive at LGBT Health and Wellbeing Mark Kelvin said: “Conversion practices are widely discredited and extremely harmful and have no place in any inclusive society.

“Whilst we’d like to think that they’re a thing of the past, or not happening in Scotland, we know that some LGBTQ+ people in Scotland are still being subjected to these abhorrent practices and we welcome the Scottish Government’s leadership and action on this issue.

“Our freephone helpline is staffed by a trained team who specialise in LGBTQ+ mental health and wellbeing. Callers can expect compassionate and non-judgmental support, resources to help navigate their experiences, and referrals to other support if needed.”

The consultation runs until 2 April 2024.

Support is available through the conversion practices helpline.

Social Housing: Emergency hazards to be repaired in 24 hours through Awaab’s Law

Housing Secretary launches a consultation proposing new legal requirements for England’s social landlords to address hazards including damp and mould quickly

plans to clamp down on rogue social landlords who fail to provide safe homes have been announced today, supporting the Government’s pledge to deliver Awaab’s Law.

The two-year-old from Rochdale died from a respiratory condition caused by extensive mould in the flat where he lived, and the Government is taking action to introduce lifechanging reforms in social housing to prevent future tragedies.

The Awaab’s Law consultation has been launched by the Housing Secretary, which proposes introducing new strict time limits for social housing providers and force them to take swift action in addressing dangerous hazards such as damp and mould.

It proposes new legal requirements for social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing within a further 7 days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours. Those landlords who fail can be taken to court where they may be ordered to pay compensation for tenants.

Landlords will be expected to keep clear records to improve transparency for tenants – showing every attempt is made to comply with the new timescales so they can no longer dither and delay to rectify people’s homes.

Housing Secretary, Michael Gove said: “The tragic death of Awaab Ishak should never have happened. His family have shown courageous leadership, determination and dignity to champion these changes and now it’s time for us to deliver for them through Awaab’s Law.

“Today is about stronger and more robust action against social landlords who have refused to take their basic responsibilities seriously for far too long. We will force them to fix their homes within strict new time limits and take immediate action to tackle dangerous damp and mould to help prevent future tragedies.

“Alongside Awaab’s Law, our landmark Social Housing Act will drastically improve the quality of life in social housing, granting residents a proper voice to fight those who think they can cheat the system and ensuring rogue landlords face the full force of the law.”

Faisal Abdullah, Awaab’s father. said: “We hope that Awaab’s Law will stop any other family going through the pain that we went through.

“Landlords need to listen to the concerns of tenants and we support these proposals.”

Social Housing campaigner, Kwajo Tweneboa said: “As we know many families across the country are still living in homes with damp and mould, creating misery but more worryingly risks their health and safety.

“I’m pleased to see Awaab’s Law reach the consultation phase and hope that it goes far enough to prevent other families going through the tragedy Awaab’s family have had to. It’s crucial the government are able to make sure this law has teeth and is enforced for it to work as intended.”

Through the measures announced today tenants will be able to take their landlords to court if they fail to fix dangerous hazards. This builds on the progress already made to drive up standards in social housing.

The UK Government says there has been consistent improvement in the quality of social homes since 2010 – with a reduction in non-decent social homes from 20% in 2010 to 10% last year – but recognises ‘there is more work to do’.

The Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which became law last year, will equip the Regulator of Social Housing and tenants with stronger powers and rights to hold the small minority of rogue landlords accountable.

New enforcement powers will also be available for the Regulator to weed out bad landlord practices – including issuing unlimited fines and entering properties with only 48 hours’ notice to make emergency repairs in the most severe cases.

As part of changes to deliver Awaab’s Law, the Government recently consulted on what more tenants need to better understand their rights and challenge social landlords when things go wrong – the direction to the Regulator will be published in the coming weeks.

This is the latest step in addressing systemic issues identified following the Grenfell Tower fire – not just the safety and quality of social housing but how tenants are treated by their landlords.

Awaab’s Law consultation will be open for eight weeks and further details on how to respond can be found here