MP slams plan to downsize Meadowbank

Published on Thursday 4 December 2008 09:05

A CAPITAL MP has warned that downsizing Meadowbank Stadium would be an "appalling blunder".

Gavin Strang, who represents Edinburgh East, which includes Meadowbank, slammed the controversial proposals at the inquiry into the city's Local Plan.

More than 1600 objections have been lodged against demolishing the stadium, more than the combined number for all other parts of the plan.

Mr Strang said: "I have never come across a planning issue that has aroused such massive public opposition.

"It's not just about now. It's about future generations. Meadowbank is very central, a key asset. It would be such an appalling blunder to downsize the facility."

The inquiry considered three options, which include completely removing Meadowbank from the Local Plan.

Alternatively, they could change the plan to read "the entire site should be retained for sports use", the objectors' preferred option.

Council officials favour the third option, which is expanding the plan to include a fuller and updated explanation of their proposals.

The Inquiry Reporters are due to publish their conclusions around the middle of next year.