Jardine’s call on developer to take up community engagement offer rebuffed

Community engagement snubbed by developer.

Christine Jardine, Lib Dem MP for Edinburgh West, tells us today that she has had her offer to facilitate a meeting between community groups and developer Dandara snubbed.

The meeting was proposed after Dandara’s development at Pinkhill was rejected by Councilors.

There is universal opposition to the Pinkhill development, with community groups and political representatives of all parties opposed.

Dandara have ignored a letter from Ms Jardine requesting a round table meeting and have instead pressed ahead, taking the proposal to the Scottish Ministers.

Ms Jardine said: “I am disappointed that Dandara have chosen to ignore my letter and my proposal of a meeting.

“They have the choice between engaging with the people in Pinkhill or forcing through a development that has no support. I am disappointed that they appear to have chosen the latter.

“The Scottish Ministers must think carefully about imposing this development on Pinkhill, given the strength of opposition to it.

“My offer of a public meeting with Dandara to facilitate a win-win solution still stands and I hope they will take it.”

The text of the letter reads:

Letter to Dandara Group 21 June 2018

Dear Ms Douglas

Re:  Pinkhill, Edinburgh

I am writing in connection with the refusal of your planning application for Pinkhill by the Planning Committee, following widespread local opposition, to see whether we can find a way forward that suits both sides.

I think it’s fair to say that local people are not opposed to development per se. Their objections to the plans were based on the height of the building and its incongruity with the local area.

I think it would be advantageous for me to chair a meeting with you and representatives from the local community aimed at finding an equitable resolution which meets the aspirations of all parties.

I would be happy to discuss this with you by phone or in person and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Christine A Jardine

MP for Edinburgh West