Time to ask serious questions about the Greenbelt?

I feel it is time the Association seriously starts questioning the relevance of the current Edinburgh Greenbelt, in the light of greatly changed conditions since 1957. For some time now a body of opinion has started forming which sees the UK-wide greenbelt policy as one of serious impediment to residential development. The Economist has, for years, promoted a new policy for greenbelts, and the latest piece on the subject occurs in last week’s FT Weekend House & Home section (29/6/24):  ‘Is Milton Keynes the Answer to the Housing Crisis? by John Elledge.

Mr Elledge repeats what others are saying, that working people wish, for reasons of convenience, cost and health, to live as near their work as possible , and as most of this is increasingly concentrated in the larger cities of the UK, placing a development straitjacket round them prevents their growth. Rather, he cites a new policy of allowing corridors of development through the greenbelts, on either side of transport routes, especially rail, out from the cities, ensuring that the land between the corridors continues to be reserved for open space uses.

Supporters of greenbelts say there are ‘brown-‘ and ‘greyfield’ sites within cities which should be utilised. They have been, and continue to be, but there is a finite number, and it’s doubtful, there is anything like enough such land left to make much of an impression on the crushing demand, certainly not in Edinburgh.

No, developers will keep trying to encroach on the current Edinburgh greenbelt;  sometimes they succeed, sometimes not, but it is no longer sensible policy to try to ‘hold the line’ in this negative fashion. A new greenbelt policy needs to look positively at city growth, and I would support Mr Elledge and others pushing for reform.

In Edinburgh’s case, I suggest ‘target’ towns to which linear development should be allowed out from the present city limits (mainly, of course, the southern orbital). From west to east – Queensferry, Broxburn, Loanhead, Bonnyrigg, Dalkeith, Tranent, Prestonpans. All have good road connections, and some are on rail routes, viz.  the Stirling/Perth line, Glasgow QS & Glasgow C, Carstairs/Carlisle, Tweedbank, N. Berwick/Newcastle. Some would need transport upgrades, perhaps including extensions to the tram network, not presently feasible because the Greenbelt stops sufficient build-up of population density.

I would hope the Cockburn would start a debate, perhaps in committee at first, and then thrown open to members’ views on the subject, via some kind of seminar or webinar. The matter is becoming increasingly urgent, I think you will agree. I would welcome your reaction.

Text adapted from letter by A David H Leishman, Cockburn Association Member

Image: City Plan 2030