Protest at Hostel Planning Visit 

By far the biggest and most emotive issue of the day is the imminent decision on the planning application by Art Roch to turn the Salvation Army building at 2 West Port into a backpackers hostel. A large number of objections were submitted by individuals in the area and as a result the CEC Planning Committee decided they would have to visit before making their decision. This decision is due on 28th January.
 
Subsequent planning applications have been submitted by Art Roch for retrospect permission to knock a door through the Portsburgh Chapel (which forms part of the hostel|) to Patrick Geddes Gardens (also known as West Port Gardens). Essentially this means they have already done at least part of the work but now realise they need permission - which is the usual ploy when objections might be raised. CEC lack the backbone to deny this type of application perhaps fearing a subsequent appeal and referral to the Scottish Parliament.
 
The plan according to Art Roch web publicity is to provide a BBQ area for backpackers, stag and hen parties.
 
What was once a lovely garden, has in recent years been left in a dismal state by CEC. Art Roch developers have already felled several trees in this area before CEC intervened. It was apparently agreed last year that pupils and teachers form St Thomas's school could use the area for several class projects. If however this hostel has its way then the school may not be able to use the area due to safety considerations among others.

There is still time to lodge your comments and objections regardinthe secondary application for the doorway from Portsburgh Chapel to Patrick Geddes Garden. The application is due to be decided on 4th February. Objevctions can sent to CEC either by post or through their web-portal electronically

Welcome to the G.R.ASS website!  

 

We believe that Grassmarket area residents deserve the same quality of life and amenities as other residents in the city:

• adequate public services
• tolerable levels of disturbance
• safe roads and crossings
• access to community space
• protection from crime.

Residents make up the majority population in the Grassmarket area, so we should quite rightly expect to be at the centre of the Council planning process and given priority consultation, instead of being considered to be incidental extras.

Since our first meetings in March, the elected committee members have been working on some of the issues discussed and trying to make sure residents' voices are heard. To that end we have been busy securing a community grant, arranging a bank account, meeting with local policemen, community groups, service providers, events organisers and council members.

Read on to find out more...

& check back often for updates