Community's 'No' to new Leith street

Published on Tuesday 1 July 2008 10:29

PLANS for a new street of homes and businesses in Leith have been criticised by the local community council.

The proposal would see a link between Great Junction Street and Pilrig Street created which would provide "flexible" building space.

But Leith Central Community Council has issued a scathing response to the council-backed plan, saying the industrial history on Bonnington and nearby streets would be ruined in "a further blow" to industry in Leith.

There was also concern that the new thoroughfare – as outlined under the Bonnington and Stead's Place/Jane Street development brief – would simply become yet another housing scheme.

The terse response read: "We have seen other industrial and retail areas of Leith redeveloped for residential use and so those remaining have become more vital for maintaining local employment and training opportunities.

"The majority of units on the site contain a very diverse mix of owners and tenants...

"If some of these businesses are obliged to relocate outwith Leith to make way for redevelopment, this could precipitate a general exodus of construction suppliers and tradesmen, and consequent loss of employment."