PLANS have been approved to construct a block of 49 affordable and social rent flats on a disused greenspace on the outskirts of Edinburgh despite complaints by locals.
A playpark in the 0.81ha area between Burdiehouse Street and Burdiehouse Crescent in Burdiehouse, along with other buildings, was demolished years ago, leaving the site vacant.
The City of Edinburgh Council have now decided to develop this greenspace into a collection of council housing blocks, providing affordable and social rent.
Some locals have complained that this represents the loss of a vital greenspace, leaving children with “nowhere to play”.
Others commented that the council housing blocks will add increased parking strain on the already busy and “tight” streets and the block, when constructed, will obstruct the view of the neighbouring forest and greenspace.
The view from Burdiehouse Crescent in mockups from planners (C) Smith Scott Mullan Associates
Planners, however, claim that the development is essential for addressing the city’s housing emergency.
Smith Scott Mullan Associates, who submitted the plans on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, however, say that development of 49 homes for social and mid-market rent will “provide much needed homes” in Edinburgh.
The block will consist entirely of affordable houses, with most of these available for subsidised social rent.
The plans were first submitted in February last year, and have undergone a marathon planning process, only just being approved.
During this time, locals were consulted on the project and many expressed their disapproval of the development and he loss of greenspace.
Prior to the approval of the plans, one local, who lives on Burdiehouse Street, directly adjacent to the proposed development, said:
“This will have a detrimental effect to the surrounding area with lack of parking and more stress put on the very tight streets.
“Also taking a way a very well used green space for children playing to people walking dogs.
“Also, if this was to go ahead it would have a detrimental effect with the building works with workmen lorries and other related equipment being stored and operated in a very small area.”
Another opined that “Nobody in the area wants new houses built on this land”.
Another, living on the nearby Southhouse Crescent, said that she is not “outright opposed” to the development, but that she would like to be reassured that “the importance of the green space around this area is being taken into account”.
An aerial view of the development, showing a total of five blocks, the tallest being four storeys high (C) Smith Scott Mullan Associates
City planners are now satisfied that these complaints have been addressed, and that the development now contains suitable provision for an open green space.
In the half circle between the crescent and Burdiehouse Street, a public amenity greenspace will now be developed, with associated car and cycle parking, as well as public footpaths and cycle paths.
Five blocks of flats will surround this greenspace, with paths running in between the blocks.
Council planners stipulated that public access to this space must be maintained once construction is complete.
In a summary of the application, planners said: “The residential development as presented within this document meets the current Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council planning standards and guidance.
“The development is for a total of 49 homes, with a mix of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom flats, and 3 bedroom houses formed around a new central park creating usable open space.
“This development allows for wider community benefits and connections to both new and existing residents with access provided through the development connecting into the existing footpath network.
“All of which helps to tie the development into its surroundings As referenced at the start of this statement, City of Edinburgh Council has declared a housing emergency and this development aims to provide some much needed affordable homes for local residents.
“The designs are in keeping with the existing neighbourhood to allow this new site to both knit into and enhance the local community.”
The view from the proposed central park in mockups from planners (C) Smith Scott Mullan Associates
In their decision notice, city planners said the development will still result in the loss of some of the greenspace on the site.
They say that this loss is outweighed by the extra housing that the block will provide for the city.
The City of Edinburgh Council has been approached for comment.
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