Albert Dock Barriers

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn Association OBJECTS to this application.

The proposed replacement barrier panels are completely out of keeping with the historical quayside setting of Albert Dock.  We do appreciate the intent by Forth Ports to improve pedestrian safety around the dock, however we feel there are more sympathetic ways of achieving this.

We understand that there has been no meaningful consultation with the local community, including Albert Dock residents.  We are disappointed by the lack of engagement shown by Forth Ports and its approach to implementing these works.

We note that the CEC has opened an Enforcement File having been altered to the ongoing works on this site, in the absence of planning permission and LBC.

UPDATE 1: Application for listed building consent refused by City of Edinburgh Council on 11 Feb 2021

UPDATE 2: Appeal to Scottish Govt Ministers dismissed and listed building consent refused by Scottish Govt Reporter on 27 May 2021. In her conclusion, Scot Govt Reporter Rosie Leven commented:

“While I understand the risk and the perceived sense of urgency in installing the barriers, I am not convinced that all of the options to find a suitable solution which balances the historic environment and safety issues, have been fully exhausted. Given my concerns about the adverse impact on the listed building and the conservation area, I therefore refuse to grant listed building consent.”

Read Ms Leven’s full report here. We are pleased that Leith’s dockland heritage has been recognised by DPEA and consent refused. Hopefully Forth Ports will now undo the changes that they made to this listed structure and speedily reinstate the chains.