When architects Sir Frank Mears Associates presented pre-planning application proposals for land between Broughton Rd and Heriothill, local residents expressed several concerns (see Issue 181).
However, what also emerged at the March New Town and Broughton Community Council meeting was that these plans are the result of ‘years of consultation' with City Planning officials. The City’s priority has, apparently, been to avoid overcrowding in the narrow, steeply enclosed site.
But it is precisely because the strip of land is so narrow that internal ground-floor parking and roof terraces have been provided: potential horizontal congestion has been avoided through vertical intrusion upon the amenity of pre-existing residents.
Some sceptics suggest this solution highlights the ineffectual response of officials to developers' self-interested over-exploitation of limited land.