Planning Issues

by Marian McIntyre
(reprinted from The Inverleith News, Summer 2005)

Trinity Park House
One which has come to an unhappy conclusion is the Cala Homes scheme to replace the four-storey 1970s offices recently occupied by the NHS Common Services Agency. The proposals, by Richard Murphy Architects, were originally for over 290 flats in a high-rise development, in some areas ten storeys high. Apart from scale, a major issue was the removal of about 20 mature trees, including unusual specimens, in spite of their protected status. Many objected to the proposed red brick, not a common material in the area. The local community, led by the Trinity Park Residents Association, actively opposed the plans, and Planning Permission was refused at the end of 2004.

A modified application was made this year, reducing the number of flats to 256, and the maximum height to (a still overbearing) seven storeys, and agreeing to relocate the rare Madonna tree. While an improvement, it will still be a massive development replacing what is now a discreet if shabby building. Again the residents campaigned, the Council receiving over 100 objections, but it was passed at a meeting on 27 July 2005. This illustrates the priorities of the Planning Department, to increase housing density within the city to preserve greenfield sites.

Standard Life Offices
At the south end of our area further developments are planned at Tanfield. Built and opened only 15 years ago, the office has recently closed, allowing local residents to claim back some of their parking - there has been a detectable improvement in Eildon Street. So what will happen to this young white elephant? Attempts to sell the building for £25m early this year appear to have been abandoned due to disappointing offers, and it has been taken off the market. There is speculation that Standard Life may itself apply for a change of use to residential with existing buildings cleared to increase its value.

Inverleith Park Skateboard Park
The most contentious proposal in Inverleith has been that of the skateboard park/wheeled sports facility in Inverleith Park. The earlier proposal for the former pitch and putt site has been dropped in favour of the site near the pavilion on the right as you enter the park from the Botanic Garden. This has been used for many years by a children’s football club and there was concern that this valuable recreational group would be left without a playing field or clubhouse, but the Council has now offered the club a suitable alternative.

A properly managed skatepark, with supervision and facilities such as toilets, would be supported by some local residents, although many others do not have confidence in the Council’s ability to supervise such a facility, particularly as there is no budget for maintenance or management. Of still more concern was the news that the proposed facility would be one of the largest in Europe and an international competition standard sports arena. Major sporting events need support facilities similar to Meadowbank, with parking, changing accommodation, catering, toilets, etc; these are not available at Inverleith, nor would we wish the character of the park to be completely changed to accommodate them.

On 16 February 2005 the Planning Committee requested a visit for Councillors to the park and a public hearing, held on 16 March. As a result the Committee asked for more information on noise levels, full details of what is proposed for the site, and details of the ‘masterplan’ for Inverleith Park. As we go to press in mid August no further reports have been submitted but it is unlikely that the project will go away. The Inverleith Society is included on the list of local bodies to be consulted.

Bangholm Terrace Flats
The Inverleith Society Committee has objected to the proposals by Heriot’s to replace three groundsmen’s houses with a development of 27 flats, and an additional new house for a groundsman and equipment storage. Bangholm Terrace is already congested with parked cars and a further 27 cars using the street to access their flats will cause more problems. The Committee sees no justification for the development, which appears to be geared towards generating capital; after all, if the objective were to replace the groundsmen’s houses with updated accommodation this could easily be done without introducing the complication of the 27 flats.

7 Inverleith Row
Also known as Arboretum House, this Category B listed, two and a half storey, detached house is on the south side of the East Gate of the Botanics. Its open position makes it prominent in the streetscape of Inverleith Row. Permission was granted to turn the single family house into five ‘houses’ for short-term rent.

Considerable internal alterations are required to meet the need for additional staircases, bathrooms and kitchens, but interestingly, permission has also been granted for external alterations. On the north-west façade, a second storey is permitted on the existing extension with modern blue glass windows, clearly visible from the street. Residents who have encountered difficulty in obtaining permission for any changes to their listed houses may like to be aware of this apparent change in approach of the Planning Committee. At the time of going to press, the works are on hold while a legal agreement covering developer contribution to the City Car Club is worked out.

Marian McIntyre

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