Help Sitemap Home Skip Navigation Contact Us Disability Statement


£300m Old Town development could face UN investigation

Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image

Published Date: 08 February 2008
By BRIAN FERGUSON
EDINBURGH could face an official investigation over its World Heritage Site status after the controversial go-ahead for the vast majority of a £300 million development in its Old Town.
Campaigners have vowed to lobby the heritage arm of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in an attempt to have Scotland's capital placed on an "endangered" list.

The Prince of Wales – who warned last week o
f the growing threat of development to various historic areas, including Edinburgh's Old Town – is being asked to intervene personally.

An official advisory body to Unesco has warned that there has been "no adequate justification" for the demolition of two listed buildings, which the developer insists is essential for the creation of a five-star hotel and conference centre.

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos) said it was "appropriate" for Unesco's World Heritage committee to examine the scheme.

The Scottish Government will have the final say on the scheme – which also involves the creation of 200 homes, a public square, office blocks and a new cultural quarter.

Sally Richardson, of the Save Our Old Town campaign, said: "We will be encouraging everyone we can to inform Unesco about the threats to the World Heritage Site from Caltongate."

Icomos officials are concerned that the council "actively encouraged" the sale and demolition of the listed buildings.

A spokeswoman said: "If the proposals are referred to the World Heritage Centre, they might be considered by the committee at its next session in Quebec in July.

"The committee would have the option of asking for a joint Unesco/Icomos mission to consider the project. It could press for changes to the project or consider putting the site on the danger list until the threats could be removed."

A spokeswoman for Unesco's World Heritage Centre said: "I understand it is not foreseen that Edinburgh will figure on the final list of sites recommended for inscription on the danger list this year.

"However, Edinburgh has been on the radar of our heritage centre for several years, and our last report on the World Heritage Site makes specific mention of threats from inappropriate development."

Thomas Docherty, for the developer, Mountgrange, said: "There is no justification for a Unesco investigation and these are wild suggestions."



Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 08 February 2008 12:42 AM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Caltongate development
 
1

Buttress,

08/02/2008 00:36:34
No Mr Docherty of Mountgrange, these are anything but wild threats - there is every justification. All objections from bodies such as the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust (which looks after the World Heritage Site) and ICOMOS were ignored when they warned of the danger to the WHS status if this development went ahead. No good saying you were not warned, Jane Jackson the Acting Director of EWHT made it clear at the planning meeting on Wednesday. EWHT has objected strongly throughout to these plans. Demolition of listed buildings, a facade scheme for others, and very inappropriate architecture for a huge chunk of the Old Town makes it inevitable that UNESCO will be concerned. The last monitoring report made reference to its concern regarding inappropriate development in the city.

UNESCO is currently investigating whether or not to remove the Dresden Elbe Valley from WHS status, see links from bottom of page:

http://www.ewht.org.uk/Home.aspx

One WHS site was removed from the lists last July, and a number of others are on the at risk list.

The EWHS Management Plan is also available from that site, Edinburgh City Council is one of those which is supposed to abide by that plan. It seems unaware of its international responsibilities for the World Heritage Site, judging from the Caltongate fiasco.

EWHT also has the responsibility for advising Ministers on matters relating the WHS.
The plans will have to be called in for a final decision by Ministers, and a public inquiry could well ensue.The demolitions go against all national policy, and there is no justification for them in planning terms.

See:

www.eh8.org.uk

http://independentrepublicofthecanongate.blogspot.com/

Clearly, this is a very serious matter; WHS status brings with it the benefits of increased tourism, and any threat will surely endanger the economic prosperity of the city.
2

Peter Wyngarde,

08/02/2008 07:21:51
Buttress, the problem is neither this latest Mountgrange mouthpiece, any of his colleagues, or the Cooncil care two hoots about these bodies who are concerned with the historic and significant status of Edinburgh old town, they are in it for a fast buck, simple as that.

They want to build their cheap and nasty buildings, with a lifetime of probably 20 years if you are lucky, and feather their own nests with the massive profits, and they have our cooncilors bewitched with promises of investment, jobs, and probably brown coloured envelopes...

They don't give a damn about Edinburgh, thats the bottom line, and they should be driven out of town and let someone who has some kind of sympathy and understanding of good modern architecture and development in to this site.

Regeneration, yes please, but not at this or any cost to Edinburgh
3

Old Town Resident,

edinburgh 08/02/2008 07:36:37
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Should-Caltongate-protesters-take-their.3757879.jp#2459343
in today also
4

paulr,

edinburgh 08/02/2008 08:14:47
While I am personally against the demolition of of these properties, I think the UN(Useless Numpties) need to keep their noses out of our business.
5

Buttress,

08/02/2008 10:30:10
The UN has its nose in it already - UNESCO designates WHS. Wise up.

I wonder if now those who don't want this development should start writing to Sofitel, the hotel chain which seems the most keen on spoiling heritage? Demolition of listed buildings in a World Heritage Site in order to build a nasty clunking modern hotel - not great for the corporate image really.


6

Ard Righ,

The Rock Of Edinburgh 08/02/2008 10:37:16
Though I admire Butress tenacity, Mr Wyndegare has it, to add The councils could easily be affected by a change of law not some foreign UNESCO body (though the more the merrier).
Scotland still has its legal system and the SNP should be pressed to enact the law courts to a new law which states the areas of out-standing masonry and history -Edinburgh Old town and rural Scotland,etc must operate a "build as like or don't build" policy.

Historic Scotland and Council Planners can be bought and sold sic a parcel of rouges in a nation.
7

Ard Righ,

The Rock Of Edinburgh 08/02/2008 10:41:36
Why do Council Planners stoop so low?

I think the 'why' lies in one of the most twisted propaganda manipulations in modern times, originally coined the "self hating jew". These self hating Scots with far too many vestiges of colonial institutionalised methods in the establishment of Edinburgh council, seek to destroy anything that has beauty, form and elegance and they, when attempting to create anything, well, you have vision-less drones with serious power because they can't get a job in the real world and can "get away with being dribbling incompetents", not being penalised for mistakes and getting bloated state pensions when the council does not even generate anything financially or otherwise. They cannot concive of "doing the right thing".

Let meritocracy prevail and stocks by the High Kirk of St Giles
8

mad moo,

edinburgh 08/02/2008 10:44:13
This application must surely require a call in by Scottish ministers because of the financial benefit edinburgh Council stand to gain from their approval of a scheme which breachs many Development Plan policies, gives no sound PLANNING justification and has generated significant levels of objections from individuals and organisations.
The only support comes from Chamber of Commerce, who's Director of Property Policy is the applicant.
Even Historic Scotland and ADS have indicated concerns about the proposals although they didnt 'object' but then it would be difficult for Malcom Cooper to go head to head with his pal Manish or for ADS to be too critical as the land deal also requires Mountgrange to try and facilitate a new office on the site for ADS headquarters.

The New Planning Bill, and current consultation on the new process aims to make planning more transparant, efficient and effective. The aims to create a modern planning system which allows greater community involvement in a more efficient plan-led system will be seen to be a joke if this scheme gets a rubber stamped by Scottish Exec civil servants.

John Swinney must seek to call this in and allow a public enquiry to expose the one rule for big business partners and another for every one else. Either that or dont bother modernising planning or facilitating communities just get rid of planning and public accountability altogether and lets go back to a feudal system of land management where those with the most cash can do whatever they want!
9

Buttress,

08/02/2008 11:14:06
Of course there must now be a call-in - and at that point, national planning policy for the protection of listed buildings and conseration areas will have to be considered. The claims by the council and developers Moutgrunge that this will 'conserve and enhance' are poppycock.

EWHT thinks not, as do a number of other expert bodies.

All concerned must now write and ask for a full and proper enquiry.

10

Buttress,

08/02/2008 11:36:50
Clearly, heritage issues in Scotland are now at a critical stage,

Scottish heritage body to be scrapped

'Following the news ...that no new heritage protection legislation is to be brought forward in Scotland, now the independent Historic Environment Advisory Council for Scotland (HEACS) is to be abolished. HEACS, sponsored by Historic Scotland, is one of several conservation bodies affected by plans confirmed on 30th January by First Minister Alex Salmond. Fifty two bodies will be abolished or merged reducing the number of national public organisations in Scotland to 121.

Robin Turner Head of Archaeological Services for the National Trust for Scotland commented 'HEACS is the only body to provide independent advice to Scottish ministers and offer longer term strategic thinking… It's not seen as Historic Scotland's remit to look as broadly and deeply as HEACS does at the historic infrastructure. HEACS has a reputation for being independent and constructively critical'. '







11

Buttress,

08/02/2008 12:13:32
'The stunning Sofitel St James London is located in the former home of Cox and Kings bank in the very heart of London, England. This sympathetically renovated building is English Heritage grade II listed and now houses one of London's most unique five-star hotels - combining traditional British design with a contemporary style that is unmistakably French...

Sofitel St James London has one of the finest addresses in London, right on the corner of Pall Mall and Waterloo Place. The hotel lies in the heart of St. James’s, a prestigious and lively district of London, within walking distance of St. James’s Park, Buckingham Palace and the renowned gentlemen’s clubs. The hotel is also less than a five minute stroll from Trafalgar Square, city centre theatres and the fabulous shopping on Regent, Piccadilly, Oxford and Bond streets. The hotel has the ideal location from which to discover and enjoy central London.

For international travellers with an appreciation of art and culture, Sofitel St James London is more than a luxury hotel – it's somewhere that will always feel like home.'

So - clearly in reality all they are interested in is a prestige address in Edinburgh, although I wonder how lovers of art and culture will feel abpout having Historic Scotland Grade C (the equavalent of Grade II) historic buildings demolished to build the Sofitel Caltongate Portakabin?

12

Buttress,

08/02/2008 13:12:22
RICS is hosting a lecture next Friday in Glasgow where this development is being held as a model of sustainability!

How sustainable is demolition?


http://www.rics.org/Practiceareas/Builtenvironment/Sustainableconstruction/designsustain_caltongatemasterplan_e_130208.html
13

marc,

ex pat 08/02/2008 13:40:06
We should remember that both schemes in question were initiated under the old Council regime in their dying days, and that perhaps the present Council should be given a chance to review matters without due haste. If the developer is truly sustainable in their intentions, and committed to the Cites interests, then a one year delay initiated by the Council in order to review the impact of this and other projects looming large such as Haymarket, and their impact on the unique Urban Fabric of the City.
Edinburgh’s distinctiveness is a vital element in Scottish Culture, not least as it is viewed by overseas visitors. The loss of this distinctiveness, just to swell the egos and wallets of a minority, would be unforgivable folly.
14

Buttress,

08/02/2008 13:58:46
Sadly, the plans have been passed (6th Feb) so the council isn't in a position to review them.

The only hope now is that Ministers ee the wider picture.

15

GrahamH,

Edinburgh 08/02/2008 19:42:37
Historic Scotlands hands are tied on the other front that poses a threat to our WH status, trams.

They were told by the council what historic buildings would be adulterated and have minimum input now.
16

Arthur X,

08/02/2008 20:23:29
And the news stories merge in my mind.

Let's have sharia law for the developers behind this project and the councillors who backed them. Don't forget, that doesn't necessarily mean stoning them to death.

 

Comment on this Story

 

In order to post comments you must Register or Sign In

 
 
RSS Feed of this article's comments
Delivery formats: RSS, Atom, Javascript & Email
 
  

 
 

More Edinburgh, East & Fife

More Edinburgh, East & Fife >>

More Caltongate development

More Caltongate development >>

Features

Free financial brochures & guides Dianomi
Paperboy Paperboy Customised news
Scottish Business Briefing Scottish Business Briefing ...Sign up today

Featured Advertising



Sister Newspapers:
Press Complaints Commission

This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then contact the Editor by clicking here.

If you remain dissatisfied with the response provided then you can contact the PCC by clicking here.