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Q and A: Jim Lowrie

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Published Date: 14 November 2008
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 be
en 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.





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  • Last Updated: 13 November 2008 9:59 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Rap,

14/11/2008 08:43:10
Well, considering the 17 storey hotel development at Haymarket has just been called in for review, these words from Lowrie are pretty hollow. Public consultations don't work if developers ignore feedback, there are chasms between local authority and heritage groups and the hearing process for this site was chaotic to say the least with Lowrie as Convenor, no wonder he has to talk a good talk.
2

Buttress,

14/11/2008 09:19:48
Yup.
3

Buttress,

14/11/2008 09:27:37
Perhaps next they could do Coun Rose, whose diary today reads:

Friday: The only fixed event will a lunchtime meeting with the UNESCO representatives visiting Edinburgh to judge whether the World Heritage Site has been compromised by recent developments approved. One of these is the Caltongate development (I voted for it) and the Haymarket Tiger development (I voted for it).

Hmmmm.

4

Rap,

14/11/2008 09:29:49
Why so proud I wonder?
5

roadstohell,

14/11/2008 09:37:22
Oh boy these clowncillors are just amazin' !!!!!!!
6

roadstohell,

14/11/2008 09:38:56
Will the UNESCO team have their lunch supplied via the "honesty box" canteen ???????

"here ye go Prof' get yer laughing gear roond these sarnies, fill yer boots , we dae"
7

Rap,

14/11/2008 09:39:06
Well, to be fair (though why I would consider being fair to him I have no idea), I doubt he could really come out and admit they made huge clangers when Caltongate is still going to go ahead. Bet he is thinking it though.
8

Buttress,

14/11/2008 09:44:03
No, I don't suspect Lowrie has the sense the realise what clangers he makes.

I do recall at the Caltongate planning meeting it being reported he sat and whispered and giggled when objectors were speaking. It didn't go down well with people with sincerely held views, and who in reality were right. Caltongate is a big mistake.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/angusmcdiarmid/3026716887/

9

Rap,

14/11/2008 09:57:21
Well he had a smug grin on his face through the Haymarket hearing, offering subjective summaries of statements, completely ignored the fact the microphones are flaky and for at least half of the time, no-one could hear the Cockburn Association presentation. A most unimpressive and ineffective convenor.
10

Buttress,

14/11/2008 09:58:09
"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..."

That's Lowrie who is a Trustee of EWH! EWH which is so against Caltongate and the Haymarket Tower.

I think that's more than a difference of opinion, I think that's a major gap. I wonder if he really thinks there are no major divisions?


11

roadstohell,

14/11/2008 09:59:28
Mhhh nice way to behave !

Maybe one of his fellow clowncillors was making a wee joke ?

Wonder if there will be much mirth & merriment now ?

Mhhh Clowncillor Lowrie ?????
" sorry , didn't hear what you said , can you speak up a little ?, sorry nope still can't hear you for the deafening silence "
12

Buttress,

14/11/2008 10:01:51
9 He was on a Radio Scotland discussion about the UNESCO visit earlier in the week. As one person described it to me after listening: 'Edinburgh's very own Norman Wisdom'.

I recall him cheerily dismissing Caltongate objections with the idea that in five years' time it would all just be accepted and all the fuss would have been forgotten.

Just like the St James' Centre then?
13

roadstohell,

14/11/2008 10:02:05
OR maybe I just couldn't hear because of he background thud & thwack o "broon envelopes" , hope they don't want the favour returned !!!!!! :-0
14

Rap,

14/11/2008 10:07:08
11, Don't get me started on the clowncillors (I like it!). The one clowncillors from Gorgie/Dalry ward on the planning committee decided to blether on about how Rabbie Burns would have loved the Tiger Towers, with absolutely no mention of any economic impact on his ward, or of his ward members who live right next to the site. It was like a double act (an unfunny one) between him and Lowrie. At least Dundas and Mowat had listened to their community and voted against the scheme.
15

Buttress,

14/11/2008 10:07:48
Have a look at this and tell me if this really is a suiatable development for Edinburgh's Old Town World Heritage Site:

http://www.caltongate.com/Business.aspx


Still, no worse than the desperately awful council building from which it all apparently takes its 'design cues'.

The world's a mad place.
16

Buttress,

14/11/2008 10:10:58
Try looking at

http://independentrepublicofthecanongate.blogspot.com/


and putting 'Lowrie' in the search.

A few items and pics which will make you chuckle - or cry.
17

Buttress,

14/11/2008 10:14:02
And how about this wee joke from that Caltongate developers site:

"Waverley Valley is the most recent focus of development, with Edinburgh City Council's impressive new headquarters adding prestige to the location..."


I wonder just who they are trying to kid? I don't know anyone who thinks it's anything but a huge eyesore! But it explains a great deal about why Caltongate designs are what they are.

18

Rap,

14/11/2008 16:44:51
Lovely views from inside it though. Guess you just have to live in it and never go out?

But yes, I imagine that sets the standard for Caltongate. It can't be too good and make Waverley Court look bad.

 

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