West Post Plaque

Posted on: October 18, 2024

The Vennel is a location where advertising should be resisted

The Vennel is a location where advertising should be resisted

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn has objected to this application.

Edinburgh’s Vennel is a charming and historic alleyway with cultural and architectural significance for a number of reasons.

The Vennel is justly well-known for its breathtaking perspective of Edinburgh Castle. As a result, the alleyway has become a favorite location for photographers and tourists since it provides a particularly  striking viewpoint of the castle, especially from the stairway that ascends to Heriot Place.

A popular walking route, The Vennel also allows tourists to experience the Old Town of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historic buildings and urban design. The Vennel also connects several additional historical sites, such as the protected portions of the city walls and the listed George Heriot’s School.

Given that The Vennel is already a popular destination for visitors adding a further source of potential congestion to the site is unwise and unsafe. This raised the question of who, if this application is approved, will monitor the subsequent impact on  The Vennel of the plaque, who will deal with any unplanned consequences  and who will maintain it in the longer term.

We consider it important to note that the proposed plaque does not  commemorate a historic person or event.  Edinburgh has many such plaques across the city. They all tend to be place specific although some can be themed such as notable homes of suffragettes or places where Robert Louis Stevenson has some connection.

The difference here is that the proposed plaque is to advertise Netflix’s “One Day”, a short romantic drama. The vast majority of the series was set outside Edinburgh.  The Vennel  was the setting for a very short segment in the first and last episodes. “One Day” has little to do with either The Vennel or Edinburgh. The purpose of the plaque is essentially marketing, not information sharing  or marking a truly significant person or event relevant to The Vennel.

Guidance on advertising is largely on amenity, design and public safety issues.  It makes it clear that within certain parts of the World Heritage Site where the streets are of exceptional architectural and/or historic interest or where advertising would adversely affect important views and vistas or the setting of designed landscapes or listed buildings, signs may not be acceptable.  We would suggest the The Vennel is a location where advertising should be resisted.

Of wider consideration  is the fact that Edinburgh is a very popular city for filmmakers world-wide.  If every production or every connection with a novel or film or TV series did the same as is being proposed for The Vennel, the inevitable consequence is the proliferation of plaques across the city for potentially short-term and ephemeral promotional reasons rather than for any genuine public or cultural interest. Few, if any, of these are likely to be monitored or maintained in the longer term.

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Image: Planning Application

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Edinburgh’s Christmas 2024

Posted on: October 11, 2024

Approval should only be made on an annual basis

Approval should only be made on an annual basis

Cockburn Response

We have reviewed  the submitted applications relating to for Edinburgh’s Christmas 2024 which aim to secure the festive event’s presence until 2026.

In broad terms the proposals encompasses “up to 75” trading concessions, a range of family attractions, along with Big Wheel and Star Flyer attractions.

We note the timely submission of this year’s planning application and the increased level of detail provided when compared to last year. We also understand that Unique Assembly, the organization responsible for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations, has expressed its commitment to addressing concerns regarding environmental impact and overcrowding that have been raised in relation to last year’s events. It is very encouraging that the company has been collaborating closely with council officials  to find solutions to these annual challenges.

We acknowledge that this year’s planning applications reflect  the efforts being made to promote a more manageable and sustainable event,  including the development of additional space to facilitate crowd movement and the establishment of new safe access routes.

However, we have decided to object to the following applications 24/04245/FUL  (George Street), 24/04436/FUL  (East Princes Street Gardens), and 24/04293/FUL (West Princes Street Gardens).  In all cases, we are objecting because planning permission is being sought for a three year period.  In our view this in inappropriate for such large scale and dynamic events where the potential for new and emerging challenges and opportunities in the near term require both Unique assembly and the  planning authority to be agile in their deliver of, and approval of,  large scale events such as this.  Approval should only be made on an annual basis.

If approval for three years in given.  Provision should be made to ensure that key learning points from  a thorough post-event assessment  of this year’s event management and environmental impact are rolled forward into subsequent events.

It would also be informative  to undertake a detailed assessment of the economic impact on city centre venues attributable to this year’s city centre Christmas events.

Further Details Here

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89 George Street

Posted on: October 10, 2024

Measures to incorporate a greater amount of the original fabric are required

Measures to incorporate a greater amount of the original fabric are required

Cockburn Response

We support the sustainable repurposing of this B-listed former department store,  well-known to the Edinburgh community as Gray’s,  for retail and accommodation use.

However,  as proposed, a significant amount of the surviving historical fabric is at risk both internally and externally.

Whilst we appreciate that this building has been altered several times over the years.  We believe that the applicant can take further measures to preserve and incorporate a greater amount of the original fabric in the proposed redevelopment  than is presently outlined.

 

Further Details Here

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Pride Bridge

Posted on:

A key walking, wheeling and cycling link for surrounding communities

A key walking, wheeling and cycling link for surrounding communities

Cockburn Response

We support this project to upgrade this disused road bridge on Lindsay Road, latterly known as the Leith Pride Bridge following a rainbow makeover. We note that there has been considerable stakeholder and community engagement to secure the future of this bridge as a key walking, wheeling and cycling link for communities surrounding the Hawthornvale Path.

Significant interventions involve the elimination of a central masonry pier to enhance visibility along the Hawthornvale Path situated below. Additionally, a new parapet and surfacing will be installed to preserve the unique ‘rainbow’ pattern. Traffic calming strategies for the adjacent roads will enhance safety, incorporating decorative glacial boulders to prevent vehicle access to the bridge. Furthermore, an amphitheatre-style community area will be established to link with the footpath beneath.

 

Further Details Here

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A Plaque Too Far?

POSTED ON  BY Terry Levinthal, Director

For the Cockburn, this proposal extends the discussion into the wider promotional and tourism marketing of the city. 

For the Cockburn, this proposal extends the discussion into the wider promotional and tourism marketing of the city. 

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Proposed Event Space St James Crescent

Posted on: August 23, 2024

This proposal must inevitably impeded pedestrian and wheeling access. 

This proposal must inevitably impeded pedestrian and wheeling access. 

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn does not support this application.

The site of this proposal was designed  as open public space and is currently used as such by a wide range of pedestrians.  The proposed scale of the temporary structures and enclosures required to facilitate external events must inevitably impeded pedestrian and wheeling access.

We note the City of Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment Committee previously voted unanimously not to allow a traffic order to be brought into effect on Elder Street, part of St James Square, James Craig Walk, St James Place, Little King Street and Cathedral Lane. We believe that approval of the current application would be inconsistent with the overarching pedestrian focus of the Council’s earlier decision although we understand that the Council’s earlier decision is now potentially subject to review.

Of  relevance also is the planning history of the wider site.  A Christmas après ski bar – Bar Hutte – was constructed nearby quite recently, following noise complaints from residents, this was closed by the Council. This development had previously be refused planning permission due to concerns relating to noise disturbance.

 

Further Details Here

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Filmhouse – External LED screen

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The proposed advertising will harm the building’s aesthetic appeal and historical significance

The proposed advertising will harm the building’s aesthetic appeal and historical significance

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn Association has been supportive of the refurbishment of the Filmhouse, which is necessary to ensure the re-opening this iconic cultural asset.

However, the proposals in this application will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the character and setting of the listed building. They also fail to preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the surrounding area in general.

The proposed advertising is excessively prominent and intrusive, which will harm the building’s aesthetic appeal and historical significance.

In this regard, the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997, which aims to preserve the character and appearance of such areas is relevant .

Further Details Here

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Piershill Terrace, Apart-hotel

Posted on: August 16, 2024

Modern hotel designs and similar developments should incorporate built-in flexibility

Modern hotel designs and similar developments should incorporate built-in flexibility

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn has lodged  a neutral comment on this proposal.

The proposal seems to be a sound design for its gable end setting, resembling contemporary enhancements to classic rows of sandstone tenements found throughout the city.

However, the proposed floorplans of the apart-hotel do not lend themselves to conversion into long-term, mainstream accommodation although conversion to PBSA accommodation may be possible.  New designs for hotels or similar developments should have built-in flexibility and resilience to allow them to be future proofed for alternative uses at a future date should economic conditions alter the demand for transient accommodation.

Hotels and similar establishments with inherent flexibility and resilience represent a prudent approach for numerous reasons for any city aspiring to be a leader in terms of climate change and sustainability . By designing buildings that can be easily repurposed for alternative uses—such as mainstream residential accommodation —developers can maintain the property’s value and functionality in response to future market changes.

Furthermore, embracing sustainability through adaptive reuse minimizes the necessity for new construction, thereby lessening environmental impact. This strategy not only conserves resources but also aligns with the principles of sustainable development, climate mitigation and climate adaptation promoted in Edinburgh.

Additionally, as technology and societal demands change, buildings designed with flexibility in mind will remain relevant and functional, accommodating advancements in technology, shifts in work patterns, and changing lifestyle preferences.  It is also the case  that flexible buildings  are likely to be better placed to address community needs by providing adaptable spaces for various purposes, depending on the prevailing requirements.

In summary, integrating flexibility and resilience into hotel and similar designs not only ensures ongoing value but also enables these structures to effectively respond to the changing needs of society.

Further Details Here

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Madelvic Car Factory

Posted on: August 9, 2024

A welcome contribution to the ongoing growth of the broader Granton area

A welcome contribution to the ongoing growth of the broader Granton area

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn supports this application.

The Cockburn welcomes these proposals submitted by the Lar Housing Trust for the conversion of the former production block at Madelvic House, Granton , which is believed to have been the oldest purpose built car factory in the UK.

In recent years, the site, which houses several industrial buildings and structures, has become a target for vandalism and graffiti. The plans to be submitted to the council will see the construction of 28 townhouses on the site, preserving the original industrial features. This housing development is a welcome contribution to the ongoing growth of the broader Granton area.

Two two-story wings made of brick, timber, and steel make up the B-listed former factory building. It is noted that, according to the planning application,  the roof over the courtyard was removed because of its poor structural integrity.

We are aware that a central courtyard is intended as a shared amenity space and that each townhouse will have a private front gardens. It is unfortunate that the application does not provide more comprehensive information about these important features..

The previously approved  access towers appear disproportionate and out of scale.

Further Details Here

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Marshall’s Court demolition

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Retaining current homes plays a crucial role in tackling the environment crisis and maintaining the availability of housing.

Retaining current homes plays a crucial role in tackling the environment crisis and maintaining the availability of housing.

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn objects to this application.

This potential demolition of a fairly new family home in Edinburgh and its replacement with a less conventional living space is especially worrying considering Edinburgh’s official declarations of both a climate and housing emergency. We see no evidence of any compensatory factors in the planning application, such as the state of the existing building, which would make this proposal reasonable.

There is a consensus that tearing down current structures produces a considerable amount of waste and pollution. The UK building industry is already a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions, and tearing down a modern home would further exacerbate this issue in Edinburgh. Additionally, modern homes are frequently constructed using materials and designs that are designed to save energy. Destroying such a home, as requested in the present application, would result in the loss of the resources and the energy that was put into constructing the home in the first place.

Furthermore, Edinburgh is suffering a housing crisis and grappling with a substantial lack of affordable and social housing options to cater to a wide and varied range of housing needs. Removing a current home from the available housing pool can only worsen this problem by diminishing the total amount of housing available. The city’s emphasis should be on preserving current housing options and boosting the quantity and quality of homes, rather than diminishing them.

Given these points, it is clear that the proposed demolition of a modern residential home in Edinburgh is counterproductive in the context of both the climate and the housing emergency. Instead, efforts should be directed towards the retention, sustainable renovation and expansion of the existing housing stock.

Maintaining current homes plays a crucial role in tackling issues related both to the environment crisis and the current shortfall in the availability of housing. By concentrating on keeping homes and, if necessary, upgrading and retrofitting them, the city can improve its overall energy efficiency and sustainability, all while ensuring there is sufficient housing available to fulfil the current unmet demand.

Further Details Here

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