Campaigners celebrate win over developer
● Leith Walk locals welcome rejection of demolition planning appeal
Campaigners fighting to stop the demolition of a parade of shops on Edinburgh’s Leith Walk have scored a major victory, after appeals by the developer were dismissed by the Scottish Government.
Plans for the demolition and the subsequent development of the building, including the construction of a hotel, a student accommodation block and flats, were refused by Edinburgh City Council in February.
Drum Property Group had appealed the decision, but yesterday both appeals were dismissed by the Scottish Government.
Drum Property Group said they were “obviously disappointed” and will consider their position in January.
In the decision notice, reporter Karen Black from the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division said she agreed with heritage and community groups that the buildingreinforcedthecharacterof Leith Walk.
She added the building makes a “positive contribution” to the character and appearance of the area.
Dismissing both appeals outright, Ms Black said: “I concluded that planning permission should be refused as the replacement buildings would not preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area, in contravention of the relevant statutory tests.
“It follows that there is currently no acceptable redevelopment proposal that might justify demolition.”
Welcoming the decision, the Save Leith Walk campaign said the proposals were “completely out of step with community needs”.
It said: “The developers plans for Stead’s Place were completely out of step with community needs for housing, local businesses and retaining our heritage.
“The Scottish Government now stands alongside the City of Edinburgh Council, the University of Edinburgh and our elected representatives who support our community in rejecting the developer’s plans for Stead’s Place.
“It is easy to give up hope when you are faced with a challenge that looks insurmountable, but when community groups get the right combination of people together, they can be heard at the highest level. We hope that our campaign gives strength and hope to people across Scotland facing unwanted developments in their areas.
The council’s planning convener, Neil Gardiner said it was great news for the community.
He said: “I’m delighted that our decision has been upheld and that the reporter saw no good reason for this much loved 1930s building to be demolished.”
A spokesperson for Drum Property Group said: “We are obviously disappointed by the decision by the Scottish Government reporter. We shall now review the reporter’s detailed findings before considering our position.”