In line with amended national planning policy, the City of Edinburgh Council has completed an audit of open spaces across the capital. It is now developing a strategy to protect and develop them in a coordinated way. Different standards of provision are envisaged for different kinds of space.
A draft Strategy was approved by the Planning Committee on 25 February, and is open for consultation from 26 March–21 May. This is supported by draft Action Plans for each Neighbourhood Partnership area.
Does it matter?
Yes. Unless you want to live exclusively amid concrete jungles punctuated by dog dirt.
Where to find it
You can access relevant documents at the foot of this page or go to www.edinburgh.gov.uk where there are links to other online sources of background information.
Alternatively, copies of the draft strategy, action plans, list of public events etc. can be viewed at Planning and Building Standards Reception, Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street (opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30am- 5.00 pm, and 8:30–3.40 pm on Friday) and in all Council Libraries during normal opening hours.
Staffed information stalls will be at Ecofusion (Holyrood Park) on 11 April and the Edinburgh Farmers' Market (Castle Terrace) on 17 April.
Consultations
Public consultations will take place, the relevant workshops for Broughton being:
- City Centre – 6.30–8pm, City Chambers (High St), 21 April [Finlay Martin, Tel. 469 3598]
- Leith – 6.30–8pm, Leith Library (28 Ferry Rd), 22 April [Lindsay Robertson, Tel. 469 3932].
Anyone planning to attend is asked to phone the number(s) above or email openspacestrategy@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Public responses
During the consultation period (26 March–21 May), responses can be sent in writing to: Local Planning Policy Team, City of Edinburgh Council, Waverley Court (G.1), 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh EH8 8BG. Or use the email address above.
And then?
Following consultation, the Strategy is expected to be implemented in August 2010 and reviewed every 5 years thereafter.