Jim Lowrie/Haymarket Call-In 14th Nov 08
Q and A: Jim Lowrie
Published Date: 14 November 2008 The Scotsman
Convener of planning, the City of Edinburgh Council, on the investigation by Unesco into whether the capital's World Heritage status should be retained.
Is the council satisfied that recent planning decisions on major developments have been thoroughly examined and have been subject to enough public consultation?
All of these projects have gone through extensive consultation and been carefully considered by the council's planning committee.
What is the council's view on whether a Unesco investigation, or "mission", is necessary at this time?
A Unesco investigation is welcome at this stage because of the high level of concern expressed by certain groups to recent large planning applications.
Is the council confident that Unesco's investigation, once completed, will not criticise the handling of recent large-scale applications in and around the World Heritage site?
We are confident that we have used robust and fair procedures leading up to the final determination of recent large scale developments.
Does the council believe that Edinburgh currently genuinely benefits from or is hindered by having World Heritage status?
The heritage of Edinburgh is a large attraction for tourists and visitors and having World Heritage status enhances our reputation as a heritage destination.
What does the council's planning service plan to do to address the apparent divisions between the local authority and the heritage groups in the city?
There are no major divisions between ourselves and heritage groups.
We have differences of opinion, but on the whole work together to preserve what is worthwhile in the city but also allow Edinburgh to develop and change.
What changes have been brought in, or are planned, by the council's planning service to improve the way the public are consulted on major developments?
There are extensive public consultations in the form of exhibitions, models and public meeting before a planning application is received by the council.
This has been happening in Edinburgh for some time now, but it will be a requirement of the Scottish Parliament's new Planning Act, which comes into force in spring next year.
The council's planning sub-committee deals with major applications using a hearing procedure where objectors and the developer are able to address members of the committee.
All of these projects have gone through extensive consultation and been carefully considered by the council's planning committee.
What is the council's view on whether a Unesco investigation, or "mission", is necessary at this time?
A Unesco investigation is welcome at this stage because of the high level of concern expressed by certain groups to recent large planning applications.
Is the council confident that Unesco's investigation, once completed, will not criticise the handling of recent large-scale applications in and around the World Heritage site?
We are confident that we have used robust and fair procedures leading up to the final determination of recent large scale developments.
Does the council believe that Edinburgh currently genuinely benefits from or is hindered by having World Heritage status?
The heritage of Edinburgh is a large attraction for tourists and visitors and having World Heritage status enhances our reputation as a heritage destination.
What does the council's planning service plan to do to address the apparent divisions between the local authority and the heritage groups in the city?
There are no major divisions between ourselves and heritage groups.
We have differences of opinion, but on the whole work together to preserve what is worthwhile in the city but also allow Edinburgh to develop and change.
What changes have been brought in, or are planned, by the council's planning service to improve the way the public are consulted on major developments?
There are extensive public consultations in the form of exhibitions, models and public meeting before a planning application is received by the council.
This has been happening in Edinburgh for some time now, but it will be a requirement of the Scottish Parliament's new Planning Act, which comes into force in spring next year.
The council's planning sub-committee deals with major applications using a hearing procedure where objectors and the developer are able to address members of the committee.
Published Date: 14 November 2008
PLANS for a towering new hotel at Haymarket are facing severe delays and could be scrapped altogether after a public inquiry was ordered into the scheme.
The £200 million project, which includes the contentious 17-storey five-star hotel, has already received the go-ahead from the council's planning committee.
But Scottish Government ministers have called for the inquiry, which developers fear could cause months of delays.
John Nesbitt, managing director of Tiger Developments, said: "We are naturally disappointed that we will now have to face a further delay in starting a project which won planning approval and secured much public support at a local level.
"The Haymarket development area remains one of Edinburgh's most neglected city-centre sites. Following the planning approval in the summer, we were looking forward to quickly moving on site and starting the £200 million transformation.
"We remain, however, 100 per cent committed to developing the site and still look forward to the opportunity of leading one of Edinburgh's most exciting regeneration projects."
Final approval from the Scottish Government was required because the council has a financial interest in the land. But planning minister Stewart Stevenson will not simply rubber stamp the development and ministers have instead called for the inquiry.
A government spokesman said: "In view of the nature of this proposal and its possible implications, Scottish ministers have decided that the matter should be considered at a public local inquiry."
Under current proposals, the car park at the former Morrison Street goods yard would be replaced by a 192-bedroom, five-star hotel, a neighbouring three-star, 245-bedroom Travelodge, 342sq ft of office space, shops, cafes and restaurants.
A city council spokeswoman said: "We await, with interest, the details of the ministers' direction and will co-operate fully with the process."
Some politicians have described the flagship building as "world-class", claiming it will enhance Edinburgh's skyline.
But the "leaf-shaped" hotel centrepiece has been described as looking like "an alien spaceship dropped in from Doctor Who".
Alternative plans for the site, drawn up by EDI, the arms-length council-owned company, were described as "unimaginative and almost brutal".
Despite fierce criticism, the plans were granted planning permission, which was approved by Scottish Executive ministers in 2006 following a public inquiry.
But EDI was forced to put the site on the market because of the council's decision to use the firm's assets to help finance a massive equal pay settlement.
Irish developer Tiger bought the site in December 2006 for a sum believed to be £41.5m.
But Scottish Government ministers have called for the inquiry, which developers fear could cause months of delays.
John Nesbitt, managing director of Tiger Developments, said: "We are naturally disappointed that we will now have to face a further delay in starting a project which won planning approval and secured much public support at a local level.
"The Haymarket development area remains one of Edinburgh's most neglected city-centre sites. Following the planning approval in the summer, we were looking forward to quickly moving on site and starting the £200 million transformation.
"We remain, however, 100 per cent committed to developing the site and still look forward to the opportunity of leading one of Edinburgh's most exciting regeneration projects."
Final approval from the Scottish Government was required because the council has a financial interest in the land. But planning minister Stewart Stevenson will not simply rubber stamp the development and ministers have instead called for the inquiry.
A government spokesman said: "In view of the nature of this proposal and its possible implications, Scottish ministers have decided that the matter should be considered at a public local inquiry."
Under current proposals, the car park at the former Morrison Street goods yard would be replaced by a 192-bedroom, five-star hotel, a neighbouring three-star, 245-bedroom Travelodge, 342sq ft of office space, shops, cafes and restaurants.
A city council spokeswoman said: "We await, with interest, the details of the ministers' direction and will co-operate fully with the process."
Some politicians have described the flagship building as "world-class", claiming it will enhance Edinburgh's skyline.
But the "leaf-shaped" hotel centrepiece has been described as looking like "an alien spaceship dropped in from Doctor Who".
Alternative plans for the site, drawn up by EDI, the arms-length council-owned company, were described as "unimaginative and almost brutal".
Despite fierce criticism, the plans were granted planning permission, which was approved by Scottish Executive ministers in 2006 following a public inquiry.
But EDI was forced to put the site on the market because of the council's decision to use the firm's assets to help finance a massive equal pay settlement.
Irish developer Tiger bought the site in December 2006 for a sum believed to be £41.5m.
The full article contains 433 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.