ROOMS WITH A VIEW – REPORTER VISITS 154 McDONALD ROAD

Today saw the latest chapter in the story of Kingsford Developments' application to convert 154 McDonald Road – the former Broughton High School, more recently used as Council offices – into residential use. 

Following the Council's rejection of Kingsford's application in November, and Kingsford's subsequent appeal of the case to Scottish ministers (Breaking news, 3.12.13), the Reporter made a site visit this lunchtime.

He was accompanied by representatitves of: the developer, parents from the adjacent Broughton Primary School, the Cockburn Association, the citywide Consultative Committee with Parents, Leith Central Community Council and Ward 12 councillor Nick Gardiner.

The visit began with the Reporter and approximately 18 interested parties standing outside No. 154. The Reporter took a note of who was present and explained that he was here simply to familiarise himself with the site, not to discuss issues. 

His intention was to start by touring the interior of No. 154 with the entire group, and he would then look at the exterior from the school playground. While his preference was to make the second part of the visit alone, he stressed that anyone present was entitled to accompany him. In response to requests from parents, he also agreed to look at the building from a classroom within Broughton PS.

A health-and-safety spanner was unintentionally thrown into the works by the developers, who warned the party to mind debris underfoot on the upper floors. This led to a discussion of whether there was permission from the Council for everyone to go around the building. The developers were clear that it was CEC who had to give or withhold permission as it is CEC that still owns the building. After a chilly half-hour on the street and phone calls to East Market Street, a compromise was reached allowing in a small number of representatives from each group.

Parents who went inside No. 154 reported that children in the Broughton PS playground were clearly visible and waved at the visitors. There were also comments about how the well-proportioned rooms would make excellent classrooms, though the state of the building is partially decrepit.

Viewing of the building from a classroom in Broughton PS followed; a Leith Central Community Councillor (Julian Siann) confirmed that at present it is possible to see into each building from the other.

Finally, No. 154 was viewed from the Broughton PS playground. To parents, the proximity of the buildings was self-evident. They had earlier used red bins to mark out the footprint of the imminent extra classroom building (Breaking news, 23.12.13) to show how children would tend to be displaced from that part of the playground towards the proposed residential redevelopment.

In Spurtle's opinion, the attitude of all present was professional and respectful. Although parents did not appear to lobby, they clearly pointed out noteworthy aspects of  the site. The Reporter appeared scrupulous in his efforts to remain impartial. 

All concerned will now eagerly await his decision, perhaps as early as next month.

 

Got a view of your own on this issue, for or against residential redevelopment of No. 154? Tell us by ... email spurtle@hotmail.co.uk  Facebook Broughton Spurtle  or Twitter @theSpurtle