Proposals for Italy House, East London Street

Posted on: November 9, 2023

We have no objection to the repurposing of London House to form a new Italian Consulate and Cultural Institute

Cockburn Response

This application has been brought to our attention by several local stakeholders.

We have no objection to the repurposing of London House to form a new Italian Consulate and Cultural Institute.

We do have concerns with the proposed security arrangements, specifically the 2.4m high fence that will circle the building and associated land.

Firstly, no details are included in the application so no assessment of impact or suitability is possible. Given the interface with this street, we do not believe that it is proper for this to be addressed by condition – details should be made available for public scrutiny. Any substantive, visually impermeable structure should be avoided.

Secondly, we question the need for such a perimeter fence especially along East London Street in the first place. Consulates such as the American one on Regent Terrace and Russia’s on Melville Street (both subject to potentially much higher levels of security requirements) rely on 1.2m Georgian railings. Many others are the same. We can see no special need here.

Should such significant counter-terrorism structures be required, we would question the suitability of this location, directly opposite St Mary’s Primary School and near the Central Mosque.

In addition, we have some concerns with the impact on the setting of Gayfield House, a Category A-listed building.

Further Details Here

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Communities must benefit from Scotland’s changing land use

POSTED ON BY James Garry

New guidance puts local people at the heart of land decisions

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Proposed Student Accommodation Dunedin street

Posted on: November 8, 2023

There is an ideal opportunity here to engage residents in the preparation of a Local Place Plan

Cockburn Response

This part of Edinburgh is in danger of being redeveloped through ad hoc market driven development.

There is an ideal opportunity here to engage residents in the preparation of a Local Place Plan to enable the local community to submit ideas and proposals for their own local area. Introduced by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, Local Place Plans are a way for communities to think about how to make their place better, to agree priorities, and to take action to make change happen.

In preparing their own community-led Local Place Plan, the local community in this part of Edinburgh could express its aspirations and priorities for the future through the submission of ideas and proposals for the development or use of land and buildings.

Once registered, the Local Place Plan could then be taken into account by The City of Edinburgh Council a material consideration when planning applications are being considered.

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West Tollcross Student Accommodation

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In terms of use, we accept that a PBSA scheme is a suitable use here

Cockburn Response

The Association has had several discussions with the developer and their professional team, including a presentation of the proposals to our Policy & Development Committee recently. We acknowledge this positive engagement for this important yet relatively hidden site.

The Cockburn accepts that this is a development site. Despite its interesting and varied history, none the buildings proposed for removal have significant merit or haven’t been substantially altered over the years. We also acknowledge the impact that the 1960s and 70s traffic engineering schemes have had in the local area.

In terms of use, we accept that a PBSA scheme is a suitable use here. Unlike very many schemes coming in the market, the location is very well placed for a number of institutions. Whilst we would prefer a mixed-use/tenure scheme, the site is both constrained in size and context as to make this impractical.

Overall, we are content with the scale and massing of the proposals. We welcome the proposed active frontage and support the small space being provided. In due course, we hope that significant changes to the road layout might mean greater area is give over to the open space.

We have some concerns with the use of brick on this site, particularly from an embodied carbon management perspective. Brick is one of the most carbon-heavy materials due to its manufacturing process and going forward, such carbon assessments should form part of the decision-making process per NPF4’s objective in climate change mitigation. We therefore advocate that a condition be imposed requiring low carbon alternatives (eg baked v fired brick) to be considered.

We note the proximity to one of the city’s busiest fire stations. Noise management will be crucial in making this a successful scheme and whilst mostly the domain of the building regulation system, the amenity of the proposals relies on ensuring sufficient building mass to address this external noise source.

Finally, the use of the site as a music venue/nightclub over many years has created an interesting part of the intangible heritage of the city. Bands such as U2, The Clash and Pink Floyd have performed here early in their careers. We would therefore advocate an interpretation strategy in the proposed open space to mark this fact.

Further Details Here

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Enjoying Edinburgh’s great outdoors – Helen Todd of Ramblers Scotland

POSTED ON November 3, 2023 BY James Garry

This is 20th anniversary year of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003

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Identifying and Recording Scotland’s Prehistoric Rock Art

POSTED ON October 27, 2023

An accessible how-to guide

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James Hutton in Edinburgh: celebrating the city’s contribution to geology

POSTED ON BY James Garry

Edinburgh is a city of geology

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Ocean Drive Residential and Student Accommodation

Posted on: October 20, 2023

The proposed student and BTR accommodation may do little to meet community expectations

Cockburn Response

The shift from office to residential development is desirable in this location.

However, the proposed student and BTR accommodation may do little to meet community expectations in this part of the city for truly affordable housing and for social housing.

The proposed PBSA accommodation, notwithstanding the availability of public and active travel opportunities, is still comparatively remote for many higher education campuses. This seems to work against 20-minute neighbourhood principles in respect of potential student residents who will, of necessity, have to travel considerable distances to their places of work and study.

The quality of design and materiality of the proposal is very disappointing – exciting and innovative design is an increasingly rare commodity in Edinburgh.

And more could be done to activate the developments at first and second floor levels and to integrate with planned greenspace and access routes in such a way as to create active and welcoming greenspace and amenity areas for the proposed new residents and for the wider community.

Further Details Here

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Autumn Nature Discovery Day

29 Oct 2023

Celebrate, discover and connect with nature on the 100th anniversary of the Astley Ainslie Hospital, a hospital originally built to support convalescence and recovery in the natural setting and greenery of the hospital grounds. Join us for a mix of free ticketed and drop in activities throughout the afternoon to learn more and to feel the well being benefits of …

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