RBS SCHEME – TIME TO START WRITING

Those in favour of, or against, demolition of RBS property between Dundas Street, Eyre Place and Fettes Row/Royal Crescent, and planning permission in principle for its replacement have until 18 December to make their opinions known. 

An official told us today that the deadline has been extended owing to earlier problems with the Council's online Planning Portal. 

The two reference numbers which MUST be cited in any correspondence are: 16/05455/CON and 16/05454/PPP. You can use the post, or send comments online using the links just given here. 

Whatever your view on the PPP, there are good reasons for opposing demolition at this stage. The Local Development Plan adopted by City of Edinburgh Council last month says that demolition ‘will not be permitted unless a detailed planning permission is approved, and may be subject to a legal agreement to link demolition to the provision of replacement buildings’. 

(PPP is not the same as ‘detailed planning permission’.)

As one correspondent put it to the Spurtle, blocking demolition would avoid creating an ugly gap site that might lend itself to developers applying pressure to get whatever they want built.

We have not seen any written submissions backing the applications for demolition or the planning permission. However, opponents have been very busy.

The Drummond Civic Association gives advice on how to frame a letter here.

And one local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, has shown us a detailed letter of objection which we reproduce in redacted form at the foot of this page.

The main grounds for that correspondent were, in order of importance:

1. The heights of the proposed developments are excessive.
2. The proposed buildings facing Fettes Row and Royal Crescent are out of character and damaging to the setting of a World Heritage Site and Grade A listed buildings.
3. World Heritage Site buildings would be subject to permanent damage.
4. Adverse effect on George V park, particularly overshadowing and setting, rather than realising the obvious opportunity to extend the green network.
5. Obstructed views towards the Forth.
6. Changes of use of with no justification, including failure to retain employment.

Both applications are on the agenda for Monday’s meeting of the New Town & Broughton Community Council on 12 December at 7.30pm in Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church, Bellevue Crescent.