Join Ecologist Leonie Alexander to discover what wildflowers and other life can be found along the shore at Musselburgh.
Glasgow-born artist Toby Paterson discusses his 2017 commission and its connection to Patrick Geddes, against the shadow of Chessels Court.
SHBT are seeking your thoughts on the plans for Custom House!
We are supportive of progress so far. But we would like to see more detail illustrating the impact of this development (height, landscape, removals etc) on key views to and from Arthur’s Seat.
We are supportive of progress so far. But we would like to see more detail illustrating the impact of this development (height, landscape, removals etc) on key views to and from Arthur’s Seat.
The successful repurposing of the existing building and its setting clearly presents some challenges. But the current office accommodation on the site is clearly not fit-for-purpose.
We are supportive of progress so far. But we would like to see more detail illustrating the impact of this development (height, landscape, removals etc) on key views to and from Arthur’s Seat. Much of the existing landscape, although not necessarily well maintained, significantly screens the current buildings from Arthur’s Seat. And it is a concern that the potential height of the proposed residential blocks with obscure views to Arthur’s Seat from nearby main roads, so significantly altering the character of the surrounding area.
Image: Terry Levinthal
Overall, we welcome the creative thinking and general approach taken. As a Masterplan, we
appreciate that considerable detailed development still needs to take place, and we offer the
following comments to this end.
Overall, we welcome the creative thinking and general approach taken. As a Masterplan, we
appreciate that considerable detailed development still needs to take place, and we offer the
following comments to this end.
The Cockburn has taken this opportunity to examine the Leith Links Masterplan and in doing so,
offer our whole-hearted support for the project and its continued development. We note that the
current condition of the Leith Links is less than optimal and that development pressures within Leith
will add future pressures to this important recreational and greenspace. The proposed Masterplan
provides the opportunity to address these issues.
Overall, we welcome the creative thinking and general approach taken. As a Masterplan, we
appreciate that considerable detailed development still needs to take place, and we offer the
following comments to this end.
The summer of 2022 illustrates the critical need to build climate resilience into the design. Climate
adaptation measures will be critical to the longer-term success and must be built into the project at
all stages. For example, the proposed blue zones need to be able to respond to major cloudburst
events as well as provide opportunities to reduce water requirements for operational needs.
Assumptions of "parkland" also need to considered. Whilst playing fields need to be regularly
mown, other grassed areas would benefit from less intrusive management methods – ie a shift from
manicured lawns to more biodiversity-friendly meadows. How this is achieved in the context of
increasing recreational demand will be a challenge.
We also feel that maintenance and repair budgets and approaches requires to be built into the
management plan in the long term, thereby ensuring a rapid response to any damage caused by use
or climate. This would require a firm set of policies for temporary events or heavy infrastructure
activities, which if allowed, require forward planning.
Finally, the curation of the landscape, from a nature perspective as well as a historic one, will be
essential. Innovative ways of interpreting the Links should be explored and go beyond the usual
information boards and plaques, however good these will be.
In summary, the Association welcomes this masterplan and supports its development into the
future.
it seems entirely reasonable to conclude that there is a real potential for a hotel of the proposed scale, height, and proximity to have an undesirable and unacceptable impact on Dunedin School
it seems entirely reasonable to conclude that there is a real potential for a hotel of the proposed scale, height, and proximity to have an undesirable and unacceptable impact on Dunedin School
The Cockburn Association objects to this application.
We do not accept that individual elements of the planned redevelopment of Cameron Toll can be properly assessed until a comprehensive masterplan for the whole site has be published fully consulted on and approved.
There are many issues which are relevant to this planning application for a new hotel on the Cameron Toll site which can only be adequately considered and addressed in the context of the site as a whole. These include, but are not limited to: How is site-wide and community connectivity to be achieved? How are active travel, Tramline 3 and ‘red light’ routes to be integrated or protected? What is the nature of wider civic connections and services to the neighbouring communities? What is the future of the current retail offering at Cameron Toll? Where is the data on current pattern of use/travel at Cameron Toll and how is this informing future use? How is the concept of a 20-minute neighbourhood being integrated into proposals for the whole Cameron Toll redevelopment? How will the new Cameron Toll, and its individual components, contribute to the city’s ambitious 2030 climate targets?
In addition, Cockburn stakeholders have raised concerns about the potential negative impact of the proposed hotel development on the setting, essential educational ambiance, and functionality of Dunedin School. This unique educational establishment, of some historical interest, is a close neighbour of the proposed development. However, reference to Dunedin School in the materials posted in support of the current planning application are very limited. Indeed, a meaningful consideration of the potential impact of the proposed hotel on the school is not possible as things stand. Although it seems entirely reasonable to conclude that there is a real potential for a hotel of the proposed scale, height, and proximity to have an undesirable and unacceptable impact on the school.
Image: Planning Application
It is positive to see that a comparatively high level of greenspace and public space has been included and the proposals seem to work with their canal-side location
It is positive to see that a comparatively high level of greenspace and public space has been included and the proposals seem to work with their canal-side location
This is a comparatively detailed and well-presented consultation which gives a good idea of proposals underdevelopment for the regeneration of a remaining, major brown field site.
We note that the proposals include a residential element, shops, social enterprise, and community spaces with high quality public realm as well as a 100,000 square foot office building.
These proposals represent a considerable concentration of development on this site. But it is positive to see that a comparatively high level of greenspace and public space has been included and the proposals seem to work with their canal-side location quite positively. And it is also encouraging that the developers have engaged with community representatives.
We look forward to seeing these proposals in more detail.
Image: Consultation website
Established in 1923, this independent allotment site is a tranquil and charming space, hidden away in a built-up area
Fresh perspective on George IV’s 1822 visit to Edinburgh, its impact on Scottish identity and the relationship between monarch and people.
This project has significant positive aspirations for its impact on Leith. However, the materials provided for this consultation are very not comprehensive or detailed and so are of limited usefulness in facilitating a meaningful assessment of the current proposals.
This project has significant positive aspirations for its impact on Leith. However, the materials provided for this consultation are very not comprehensive or detailed and so are of limited usefulness in facilitating a meaningful assessment of the current proposals.
This project has significant positive aspirations for its impact on Leith. However, the materials provided for this consultation are very not comprehensive or detailed and so are of limited usefulness in facilitating a meaningful assessment of the current proposals.
Very little detail is provided relating to design and tenure of proposed residential areas or of the design of the proposed non-residential elements of the development.
Very little detail is provided on the design and character of the proposed greenspace and public space elements including how the location’s foreshore/dockland potential is being actively exploited. And it is disappointing to see no evidence of the potential being acknowledged for biodiversity improvements on the foreshore and in the docks e.g. floating islands.
We would also like to see more detailed Information relating to proposed new vehicular routes through the site and to active travel opportunities and connectivity to and through the new development.
Many large scale developments are planned for Leith or are already under way. Further information is required to understand the actual or potential relationship between Harbour 31 and these developments.
We would also like to understand how this development is responding proactively to the worsening predications for Edinburgh relating to climate change, particular sea-level rise, and its potential negative impact on this dockland development.
Finally ,in our view a revised masterplan/sustainability strategy for the Leith area is an urgent priority.
Image: Consultation website
