Save Leith Walk: Developers lose appeal

It’s been a rough week for any forward-thinking people out there hoping for the UK to be a little fairer, a little more socially-conscious and a little more ecological, what with a right-wing party sauntering into a new term of government following a landslide victory at last week’s general election. Every cloud has a silver lining though.

On a local level, the people of Leith and the mighty campaigners of Save Leith Walk have won another major victory against the Drum Property Group, who are trying to tear down a once-vibrant parade of shops near the foot of Leith Walk and replace it with a hotel and student accommodation block, which don't speak to the needs of this tight-knit community.

Back in February, Edinburgh City Council refused Drum’s planning request to demolish the parade of shops by Stead’s Place – currently home to the fantastic Leith Depot – to make space for this development. The property group made two appeals to the council's decision, and today, news has emerged that both appeals have been rejected by the Scottish Government.

Karen Black, of the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division of the Scottish Government, notes in her report on the decision that “planning permission should be refused as the replacement buildings would not preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area, in contravention of the relevant statutory tests and development plan policies.”

Black continues to write there is “currently no acceptable redevelopment proposal that might justify demolition.”

'When community groups get together, they can be heard'

The Save Leith Walk campaign has been dogged in its opposition to Drum's proposal. “Today's decision shows what can be done when a community organises and unites behind a common message,” said the campaign in a statement. Adding that the government's upholding of the council's decision “shows the developers plans for Stead's Place were completely out of step with community needs for housing, local businesses and retaining our heritage."

The passion and subsequent success of the Save Leith Walk campaign has been heartening to observe and should prove a tonic to other community groups challenging unwanted property developments and rampant gentrification in their local area. "It's easy to give up hope when you are faced with a challenge that looks insurmountable," said the Save Leith Walk spokesperson, "but when community groups get the right combination of people together, they can be heard at the highest level. We hope that our campaign gives strength and hope to people across Scotland facing unwanted developments in their areas.

Today, Save Leith Walk also send out a clear message to Drum Property Group: "The people of Leith have a clear vision for Stead's Place and they are committed to making that vision become a reality. Should the developer now decide that this project is not for them, then we are ready to take it forward ourselves."

While this is a great victory for the people of Leith, the ball is still very much in the Drum Property Group's court. A number of much-loved businesses have been forced to move from the disputed shopping parade over the last few years, with Leith Depot being the last business standing on the block – the vital pub and gig venue is currently in the precarious situation of surviving month-to-month on short term leases.

The question remains how Drum Property Group will react to this decision. Will they accept the ruling and allow businesses back into the parade? Will current tenants Leith Depot be given the security of a long-term lease? Will they, as the Save Leith Walk campaigners propose, move on and allow the community to move forward? This seems unlikely.

It should be noted that Drum Property Group can challenge the government ruling. "Individuals unhappy with the decision made by the reporter may have the right to appeal to the Court of Session," notes Liz Kerr, Case Officer for the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division. Although this appeal to the Court of Session can only be made on a point of law. Another outcome could be that Drum Property Group simply let the parade fall further into disrepair and force the council and government’s hand?

Writing on Facebook, theatre and music critic Neil Cooper notes his concerns. "Will Drum dig in their heels and let the site decline until officials are worn down and they eventually get their own way?"

"Developers can afford to play the long game," Cooper continues, "and if less enlightened authorities come into power in the future, they will likely try the same or similar proposals."

Cooper suggests that the council and government have to go further, saying that unless Drum Property Group intends to reinstate businesses, the authorities should "impose a compulsory purchase on the block and put it into the hands of the local community."

What is clear is that Save Leith Walk campaigners still have a way to go before the block can be returned to a thriving community asset. You can join the cause and lend your support at saveleithwalk.org