Superstore - New Petrol Station - Parking - New Access

[Dadaist]

[Porty]

[Porty]

[Bob Jefferson]

[Izzie]

[Porty]

[Bob Jefferson]

[Porty]

[Cleopas]

My auntie is in one of the last wee cottages on Baileyfeild next to Harry Lauder Road ... at the moment, it looks like they've been offered above market price.

She is defo NOT happy about what's happening, but apparently that row of cottages will be demolished. She only got her patio finished last year!!!

She says she's taking take the offer when it's made and moving to Fife.

Developers are a company called BL ...

I just spoke with my auntie five minutes ago.

Sorry, that's all I know at present. I didn't get a chance to ask about the compulsory purchase ... but she may have got that wrong ... she's over 70, so it's possible.


This post was moderated

[Poppy]

[Bob Jefferson]

[Cleopas]

[Porty]

[Cleopas]

[Porty]

[Cleopas]

[Cleopas]

[Cleopas]

[Bob Jefferson]

[Bob Jefferson]

[Porty]

[quote="Bob Jefferson"]And here is the text of that letter:

[quote]NW PORTOBELLO MASTERPLAN

You, and many others, wrote to me recently about your worries over plans for the future of North West Portobello.

It seems that most of these worries arose from what many people thought was a draft plan that had already been prepared. In fact, this document is only intended to become the background for a contract to employ an independent expert to write the plan for the area. The plan itself will be written in consultation with local people.

So, I wish to make a number of things clear.

• The document some have seen is a draft framework for the employment of an independent consultant, not a draft plan for the area. As a draft, it had not been approved by senior Council staff nor by councillors. I saw the draft before I went on holiday and asked for changes, because it did not say what I understand the local community wants. It is currently being re-written in the light of comments that we have received.

• This draft was referred to at a recent community meeting, and talked about in the press, by one of the companies who own the land. The landowner had this draft document because the Council was consulting them privately, as a possible co-funder of the consultant, on its content. It is most unfortunate that this public discussion has caused such distress locally.

• There will, as promised, be a “blank pageâ€

[Bob Jefferson]

From today's EN:

[bellybabe]

[Porty]

Letter to Robert Gatliff from Alan Henderson
Robert W Gatliff Date: 17 August 2006
Chair
Portobello Community Council Your Ref:
rwga@bgs.ac.uk
Our Ref: FN/ER/065


Dear Mr Gatliff

NW Portobello Masterplan

You, and many others, recently wrote to Planning regarding plans for the future of North West Portobello.

It appears that some confusion has arisen from what many people thought was a draft plan that had already been prepared. In fact, this document is only intended to become the background for a contract to employ an independent expert to write the draft plan for the area. The plan itself will be written in consultation with local people, before it is considered by the Council’s Planning Committee.

Further to the comments we have received, we felt it would be appropriate to clarify a number of issues in relation to the forthcoming exercise;-

· The document some have seen is a draft framework for the employment of an independent consultant, not a draft plan for the area. As a draft, it had not been approved by the Planning Committee, and is now being amended in the light of comments and feedback we have received.

· This draft was referred to at a recent meeting of the Community Council, and talked about in the press, by one of the companies who own the land. The landowner had this document because the Council was consulting them privately, as possible co-funder of the consultant, on its content. It is most unfortunate that this public discussion has caused such distress locally.

· Much of the feedback we have received has expressed concern regarding the form that public consultation might take. Councillor Davies has given a commitment that a ‘blank page’ discussion will take place with the Portobello community early in the process – once an independent consultant who will write the plan has been appointed by the Council and can take part in and listen to that discussion. There will also be opportunities later on for the local community to comment on and debate the draft plan, before it comes to the Planning Committee for decision.

· The ‘blank page’ discussion, however, like the Masterplan itself, will have to take account of planning law and existing planning policy, which itself can have the force of law. It will also have to reflect the needs of the City as well of those of the neighbourhood. It was these existing policies and constraints which the draft consultant’s framework has set out.

· Concern has also been expressed regarding statements in the draft framework about providing land for employment and the potential mix of uses on the Baileyfield sites. At present, most of North West Portobello is zoned for 100% employment use – industry and commerce. However, the Council believes that both living and employment needs are important and that is the pattern of mixed use, which makes Portobello a special and successful place. We think that mixed use should happen in North West Portobello too. One option is to suggest to the consultant that the present 100% Industry/business zoning for the area to perhaps reduced to 50% or thereabouts. Any new business uses developed would then be restricted to those which would be compatible with residential uses. However, the balance of uses for the plan area is one issue that will be discussed during the public consultation process.

· This guidance does not imply that the Council is seeking a large superstore for the Baileyfield site or the wider North West Portobello area. Nor does it “open the door to a fresh supermarket bidâ€

[Porty]

Different persepective from todays EN re the Tesco Metro at Morningside. Different strokes for different folks.

APPARENTLY local residents are "dismayed" that there is to be a Tesco Metro store at Meggetland and you report that "there are two Tesco stores within walking distance of the site" (News, September 11).
Having parents who live directly opposite the proposed site and a good knowledge of their neighbours, I am surprised that the Evening News did not consider the local support for the plan.

The previous occupant of the site, a petrol station, offered locals a convenient and necessary place to buy basics such as milk, bread and newspapers. Since its demise they have had to walk to the nearest shop, which is a considerable effort for many who have disabilities, poor eyesight and are of advanced years.
T
his is an area where many elderly people live and there is in fact a sheltered housing development a few metres from the proposed site.
The truth is that a Tesco Metro on this site would be convenient and beneficial for many local residents.

As for the other two Tesco stores apparently within walking distance, I am fit and in my forties, and while I may be able to walk to one of those stores, I certainly wouldn't contemplate walking back carrying shopping.
My mother and the majority of her neighbours would not even consider it.
I understand the worries of the local shopkeepers in Happy Valley, but the range of shops there is very limited and do not offer things such as fresh meat or fish.

You say a "leading food writer" Joanna Blythman is leading the fight to oppose the building of this store. I can only assume that Ms Blythman has full use of her physical abilities to walk over a mile to her local supermarket and also a car should she need to venture further afield for her food necessities.

Isn't it time that the "no changes on our doorstep" brigade acknowledged that new facilities often mean improved access for the least able in our community and that not everyone can jump into their 4 x 4 to do their weekly shopping at a superstore?
T Cantle, Craiglockhart Drive North, Edinburgh[/b]

[Bob Jefferson]

[Porty]

[Porty]

[Poppy]

[Porty]

[Poppy]

[Porty]

[Poppy]

[bellybabe]

[Bob Jefferson]