Cities change, but is Auld Reekie changing for the better? No, says STUART McKENZIE: he fears for our city’s future … Continue reading Gentrification in Edinburgh: ‘this is not development, it is suicide’
Tag: Development
Transforming the Old Town
COMMUNITY PROJECTS RECEIVE FUNDING TO BRIGHTEN UP DEVELOPMENT SITE
Seven community groups in Edinburgh are being allocated funding to enhance the New Waverley development in the Old Town while it is still under construction. Projects ranging from making Jacob’s Ladder steps more useable, lighting up the Arches during the winter festive period, art installations and a graveyard planting scheme will transform the area. Continue reading Transforming the Old Town
Mixed fortunes for Granton groups
Joy for Walled Garden campaigners but Granton sur Mer is sunk once again Continue reading Mixed fortunes for Granton groups
Council extends development programme
A new programme to catalyse development in the city was launched by the city council yesterday. The programme is outlined in a report to be considered by councillors on the Economy Committee next week. Continue reading Council extends development programme
Have your say on West Pilton Grove development plan
An Information Event to inform local people about the proposed housing development at West Pilton Grove will be held on
Tuesday 12 April from 11am to 7pm
North Edinburgh Local Office (NELO), 8 West Pilton Gardens
where you will have the opportunity to drop in and speak to the development team about the project and give your comments.
For further information contact Aline Kirkland on 0131 220 7781.
Cramond Action Group issues last ditch appeal
Seconds out, round two: Battle lines drawn in leafy Cramond
The two opposing sides in a planning dispute are slugging it out in a social media battle for community support – and the bruising encounter’s taking place in genteel Cramond. Continue reading Cramond Action Group issues last ditch appeal
Terrific year for PlayTalkRead
PlayTalkRead, the Scottish Government’s early years campaign, has reached a record number of new families in 2015, the Children’s Minister Aileen Campbell has revealed. Continue reading Terrific year for PlayTalkRead
Letters: Developing a discussion
Dear Editor
There are many schemes, plans and ideas on how, why and what development should take place in Edinburgh, particularly North Edinburgh; some are official, others from private investors.
Although these us some attempt at public consultation it is mostly: ‘do you wish to suggest amendments to the plan?’ There is little intention to start, as it should, to find out the needs and concerns of the people first.
Official boards are on display in many places advertising areas of land set aside for business or other ‘strategic’ development. One does not see official boards setting aside areas of land for the community to use for leisure and pleasure!
If the rate of development continues as outlined in official plans and schemes there will be little open space left in which to relax and take pleasure in visiting. New plan will follow new plan; a developers’ paradise – Edinburgh must not become a city of buildings and traffic congestion.
A. Delahoy
Last chance to comment on SESplan Main Issues Report
A public consultation into how the future of Edinburgh and the South East of Scotland should be shaped closes tomorrow.
Anyone interested in commenting on the Main Issues Report, which will be used to develop plans to accommodate the area’s future growth, have until the consultation ends on 30 September.
Feedback received will help identify people’s key issues and priorities and will be used to form a strategic development plan for the area. This will inform the Local Development Plan for each local authority area in the region, focusing on long-term strategic level planning matters such as housing, economic growth, green networks and infrastructure.
Councillor Ian Perry, Chair of the SESplan Committee, said: “The South East of Scotland faces serious challenges as a result of population increases and projected future growth. It is vital that we plan now to make sure we have adequate housing and infrastructure, while protecting the environment.
“This means that we have to think creatively and innovatively to find solutions that will help ensure the continued success and growth of the area.
“The response we have received from local residents so far has been very encouraging but there is still plenty of time to have their views heard. Their comments will help us to make decisions that play a vital role in shaping the future of the region.”
Comment on the consultation through the SESplan website.
The future of Granton Harbour?
A steady stream of interested local residents called in to Granton Youth Centre to see the latest plans for Granton Marina earlier this month.
The latest plan is to create a ‘unique coastal community’, featuring:
- 1500 new homes (with parking provision for each one)
- An international-standard five-star marina and Spa Hotel with 113 bedrooms and a restaurant/bar seating 125, plus coffee shop,
- A health spa with indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi
- Conference facilities
- A marina and boatyard with 400 berths
- 30,000 sq m of retail, leisure and business space
- ‘Best of Scotland’ indoor market
- Fashion outlet mall
- A food court and restaurants
- Covered walkway to and from car parking
- A multi-storey car park
- The Granton spur section of the tram line (with a tram stop) is also factored in.
Views on the day were divided. Some welcome the idea of long-overdue investment in an area with undoubted potential, while others have major concerns over the traffic implications.
One Lower Granton Road resident said: “We’ve seen plans like this before and they’ve come to nothing so I won’t be holding my breath. Personally I don’t think many local residents would have too much difficulty with what’s being proposed but for one major drawback – traffic.
“First the heavy lorries when the site is being constructed, then the sheer volume of traffic a development of this nature could bring is a real worry. We could see thousands of additional cars – visitors and residents – on local roads.
“Roads and traffic have been a problem down here for years and can’t cope with the volume of traffic as it is – these proposals would make it a hell of a lot worse. Planners will have to consider ways of resolving that, because if they don’t this development is a non-starter.”
Developers will examine comments made on the day and produce a report before moving on to the next stage of the planning process. There’s clearly a lot more talking to be done.
