My comments on Edinburgh Council's new local plan

Edinburgh City Council is currently drawing up a new 'Local Development Plan' for the city. As a local elected representative, I've been invited to submit my views.

The plan will have long term implications for the whole of Edinburgh. I've prepared some initial thoughts which naturally centre on the implications for Edinburgh North & Leith. I'll be finalising my submission to the Council in the next few days - any views from local residents would be welcome! You can find out more about the plans, and how to submit comments directly to the Council, on the Council website at http://bit.ly/tdeTBD


Draft comments from Mark Lazarowicz on Edinburgh Council proposals for new 'Local Development Plan':

1. The proposals would allow further major infringement of Edinburgh's Green Belt, particularly on the West side of the city near the airport. I am concerned at the way in which the Green Belt is being 'eaten away' by these proposals. Firstly, because of the loss of green belt in itself, and secondly because development in the green belt on the West side could jeopardise redevelopment of 'brownfield' sites elsewhere, including along the Waterfront at Granton and Leith. This could leave existing redevelopments 'marooned' in derelict land for decades to come. I believe we should be regenerating brownfield and derelict sites in preference to using up precious green belt land.

2. The proposal for a renewable energy focus at Leith docks is welcome as long as that means activities like manufacturing and marine activities, not large biomass plants. Edinburgh, like the rest of the country, needs more jobs in industry, and the renewable sector is one which offers potential for manufacturing alongside research, development, and support services. However, any developments would have to be compatible with existing residential and other existing uses in the area. Setting up such a renewable energy focus would also require access improvements of a type which would not put extra pressure on the already busy road network in Leith. Where possible, heavy goods and large loads should be transported to the docks area by sea, or by using the existing rail access which could be further extended into the docks area to serve the proposed renewable energy activities. There should also be an examination of the feasability of using this line to provide a passenger rail service, particularly in the absence of the proposed tram line extension to Leith.

3. The proposals to support local shopping centres such as those in Central Leith and Leith Walk are welcomed, but need to be accompanied by measures to improve the shopping environment and to support small shops. Streets and pavements need to be kept in good repair.

4. As stated above, 'brownfield' sites should be preferred to 'Green belt' land for development. This should include social and affordable housing, for which there is still considerable demand in Edinburgh North and Leith. Development of 'brownfield' sites should also include a reasonable proportion of public open space, including parks, playgrounds, and allotments. Where 'brownfield' sites are likely to remain undeveloped and/or derelict for some time, consideration should be given to using them meantime for green space - parks, open space, 'wildlife meadows', and similar. Even if there is a renewable energy hub in part of Leith docks, some of the remaining area in the docks should continue be available for housing.

Peace One Day - Global Truce 2012

It's fair to say that most of the predictions and prognostications from experts, commentators, and the like for 2012 have been pretty gloomy, and there's lots of good reasons for that.

That's why initiatives which can actually point a positive way forward should be welcomed! One that I'm backing which I hope gets a lot of support is the campaign by Peace One Day for a Global Truce on 21 September 2012. It's a campaign with international support from UN, NGOs and governments - it's got all party support here in the UK Parliament - have a look at their website here and pass it on!