The inflatable dome at Grange Club continues to disturb neighbours – and now the cricket club which erected the structure has refused to meet to discuss a possible compromise on the basis that it would not be “productive”.
The dome covers padel and tennis courts but it requires 24/7 inflation, and the constant background noise keeps the neighbours awake.
A petition has been established to ask that the noise levels are reduced, that the structure is lowered and the “lurid colours” changed. In addition residents are creating a campaign group StRAP (Stockbridge Residents Against the Plook).
Inverleith Conservative councillor Max Mitchell said: “It is disappointing that the Grange Club finds itself unable to meet residents to discuss their concerns. I would have hoped that a sports club integral to the Stockbridge community would continue to engage with its neighbours and the residents.
“While the club has adjusted fans to improve noise impact, there are things residents feel they could do. Perhaps if they meet then solutions could be found.”
Local community councillor Geoff Calder wrote to the club on behalf of the Colonies residents asking to meet to discuss a compromise. Mr Calder has confirmed that the response from chairman Rick Symington was “lengthy but terse”.
Mr Calder said: “Their dismissive and rather patronising response is particularly galling because it infers residents should have raised concerns earlier, when they know full well that the Community Council unanimously objected to the plans.”
In the letter Mr Symington wrote: ““A thorough and exhaustive process was carried out in line with local and national regulations. We do not believe that it would be productive to hold a meeting at this juncture due to the limitations that the club would have to make any changes to the facilities that have been duly confirmed as acceptable through the long and complex planning process.”
Loading…
Reload document 
Open in new tab Although Stockbridge and Inverleith Community Council opposed the development which was subsequently refused by The City of Edinburgh Council planners, an appeal to the Scottish Government was successful paving the way for the inflatable to be put in place by December 2024.
Neighbours
A resident, Keith Hughes, said: “The response from The Grange Club totally ignores the long-standing opposition to the plans and the depth of feeling across the local community on the considerable impact since they have been built.
“No-one can look at the “Monstrous Zit” and padel courts and think they add anything to the aesthetics of the Conservation Area. The community is now stuck with this blight and the club doesn’t even think it is worthy of further discussion. The impact to neighbours is considerable and it’s all for the benefit of a very small amount of people.”
Raeburn Place resident Paula Wiseman, whose property backs onto the site, added: “It beggars belief that something so garish and ugly ever got permission in a conservation area.
“The documents in the planning application didn’t give a realistic idea of just how dreadful this thing would be, but they were enough for the local councillors to throw out the application, so this abomination effectively comes down to the opinion of one man and we are having to live with the consequences.”
Neighbour Max Wilkie added that the light was having a serious effect too: “I certainly think the light pollution from the padel courts and being reflected off the courts from the lighting on the outdoor courts is a significant issue. When turning down the alleyway into Reid Terrace at night on foot I am dazzled by the lighting. I would imagine there is a significant risk of drivers coming down the alley being similarly dazzled/blinded which would put pedestrians at risk.”
Mr Calder said: “Their dismissive and rather patronising response is particularly galling because it infers residents should have raised concerns earlier, when they know full well that the Community Council unanimously objected to the plans.”
Colonies resident, Sarah Hill, said she was disappointed by the club’s attitude: “I would have expected a historic club like the Grange would have prided itself on being a good neighbour, but it seems not. To refuse even to meet us is disappointing and quite arrogant.”
Ms Hill added: “In the recent warm weather I sat outside to enjoy the sunshine. The noise from the padel courts was constant. There were loud shouts from the players and the batting sounded like gunshots echoing off the walls. The courts are open every day until 10pm so the noise is constant and much worse at the weekend.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
