Barnton Park Wood planning application rejected
8/3/07
Copy of letter to Barnton Park Wood residents:
Dear Resident,
Barnton Park Wood Planning application 06/05103/OUT
The application to build nine 3 storey town houses and three blocks of
4 storey flats on Barnton Park Wood has been withdrawn, in the face of
overwhelming public pressure. This is excellent news and represents a
victory for common sense in the face of overdevelopment. Well done to
everyone who voiced their disapproval and wrote to the Planning Department
to try and stop the development. It was well worth your effort!
However, it is probable that the developers are going to return to the
drawing board and will come back with new, though reduced, proposals
for development. The Planning Department has
informed them that the construction of 20 flats may be possible. This
represents the maximum number recommended off a cul-de-sac.
Local Lib Dem MSP Margaret Smith and Neil Maclean, Liberal Democrat Council
candidate for Barnton, attended the community meeting at Davidson’s
Mains Parish Church on February 13th to support the campaign against
the orginal plans. This was extremely well-attended and
demonstrated the depth of feeling against a development that threatened
to alter the whole character of the Barnton Park area.
Margaret also wrote to the Head of Planning to raise her concerns about
the application. These included issues around overdevelopment, narrowing
of access (including for emergency vehicles) caused by parking overspill,
increased traffic congestion and environmental concerns.
Margaret said, “I am pleased that good sense has prevailed. At
the community meeting, it was clear to see that people had real concerns
about the pressures that overdevelopment would bring to the area. However,
it is quite possible that there will be new proposals for development
in the area and it is important that these are scutinised with great
care and we must continue to oppose any plan that seriously threatens
the quality of life of existing residents. I will continue to work with
the community on this issue and I hope residents will be in touch if
I can be of assistance”.
Neil Maclean said, “This just goes to show what public pressure
can achieve when applied in the right places. The people of Barnton Park
had an irrefutable case when arguing against this development as it would
have had a major impact on the area’s and was totally inappropriate.
I will keep working with local residents to ensure that their views are
represented in any future planning application”.
If you are worried about any other local issues, please write to Margaret
Smith MSP at:
3 Drum Brae Avenue, Edinburgh EH12 8TE or e-mail Margaret on margaret.smith.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
• See original letter
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