Peer accuses council of selling off Edinburgh's heritage

Published on Thursday 28 May 2009 22:03

A PETITION with almost 2,000 signatures will today go before a major public inquiry into plans for a 17-storey hotel on the edge of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site.

Among the signatories are high-profile protesters such as former judge Lord McCluskey and Sir David Steel, a former presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament. Lord McCluskey – who lives near the site of the proposed tower at the Morrison Street goods yard next to Haymarket station – is to appear before the inquiry next week.

Critics of the 200 million development, designed by award-winning architect Richard Murphy, say it will dwarf surrounding buildings and blight the Edinburgh skyline.

In a strongly-worded statement to the inquiry, Lord McCluskey criticises Edinburgh City Council for abandoning its long-standing skyline policy on the eve of granting planning permission to the developers.

"The underlying truth about the apparent changes of … policy by the City of Edinburgh appears to be the excessive cost of the tramway (including cost overruns), plus the massive cost of complying with the recently restated law requiring equal pay for men and women, have created a serious financial problem for Edinburgh, and the council is prepared to sell our heritage to find the necessary funds."

He adds: "Tourists do not come to Edinburgh for the weather or to stay in hotels that would better grace Sharm El Sheikh or Lloret de Mar. The city's skyline policy inevitably affects the whole city. To change it in the ad hoc way that has been adopted in this instance is to create a precedent that could do untold damage to the city centre."

A two-week inquiry into the development, which also includes a three-storey hotel, offices, shops and restaurants, began on Monday. Critics, including the Cockburn Association, Edinburgh World Heritage and residents' groups, say they do not oppose redevelopment of the site, but that they are concerned about the tower overshadowing surrounding buildings.

The plans were backed by the council, but were later "called in" by the Scottish Government because the site was previously owned by the council.

Yesterday Andrew Munnis, a partner of Montagu Evans chartered surveyors, highlighted the fact the petition included signatures from overseas tourists.

Businessman Ken Murray, who organised the petition, and Sir David last night said visitors to Edinburgh were entitled to an opinion on the city's architecture and historical heritage.

Mr Murray, chairman and chief executive of Blue Planet Investment Management, is due to give evidence to the inquiry today. "It is absolutely stupid to say that only the opinion of people living in Edinburgh should be taken into consideration," he said.