The residents of Allan Park are delighted that the Scottish Ministers have refused an appeal by a nursing home developer to demolish a 1930s bungalow to form an access to his development.
Gail Redpath who led the campaign said: ” I would say that we are delighted with the Scottish Reporter’s decision. After fighting this planning application for over two and a half years, there is a huge sense of relief in the Allan Park community. Our lovely quiet oasis has maintained a strong community spirit throughout and we are grateful to everyone who has supported us.”
We talked to the campaigners in November last year when the planning committee rejected the developer’s initial application, when they were already aware that the developer would appeal.
In November the Managing Director of Allan Park Ltd Sean Black told The Edinburgh Reporter: “As you can imagine I am extremely disappointed in the planning committee’s verdict today. The director of planning has recommended approval of the application for good planning reasons, which is supported by a number of third party reports, including transport, environmental as well as the City’s Local Plan, the secondary plan and Scottish Planning policy.
“Furthermore, the city Health and Social Care department have identified this development would fulfil a gap in the local community as well as provide much needed family accommodation.
“The development would benefit from the creation of 50 local jobs, supply local businesses and cater for many vulnerable people in need of care. However it has been argued today by committee and the residents’ association these issues do not hold weight over the opinion of few in context to the the city of Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole.”
The Edinburgh Reporter NEWS from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.
Local MP Joanna Cherry QC was one of their supporters. She said: ““I am delighted to join Allan Park residents in celebrating the rejection of the developer’s planning appeal – common sense has prevailed.
“Since my election last year, I have met with residents of Allan Park, written several letters of objection and made representations at Edinburgh City Council’s committee hearing. “The Allan Park residents should be praised for their hard work over many months in their fight to protect their street and tightly knit community.
“The proposals to demolish number 25 Allan Park Crescent were ludicrous and served no purpose other than increasing traffic flow, jeopardising safety and ultimately reducing the quality of life for this longstanding and vibrant community.
“I join Allan Park residents in celebrating this fantastic decision and commend their community spirit.”
Jim Eadie, who was the MSP for Edinburgh Southern between 2011 and 2016, has previously objected to this planning application and was keen to get behind their campaign and determined to get the right outcome.
Commenting, Mr Eadie said:
“The decision taken by the Reporter is categorically the right one and is a victory for common sense.
“I am delighted we have closure on this issue and the residents of Allan Park can finally get a massive weight off their shoulders knowing that the possibility of this ill-thought development will no longer happen.
“I would like to congratulate Michael Pearson, Gail Redpath, the Allan Park Residents Association and all other local campaigners whose dedication, passion and energetic campaigning played a massive part in reaching this decision.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
