Salmond accused of 'trumping' city over docks development

Published on Friday 22 August 2008 10:59

ALEX SALMOND was today embroiled in a new planning controversy after he sent a letter supporting Forth Ports' plans for a massive development at Leith Docks.

In a letter circulated to councillors, the First Minister said he looked forward to seeing the company's project completed.

Today he was accused of having "trumped" the council's planning committee, which will next week consider an application – the biggest ever to come before the authority – for more than 15,000 homes, four schools, new sports facilities, shops and offices in and around the docks area.

The proposals, which constitute the largest part of Edinburgh's overall waterfront development, are being recommended by officials for approval despite some concerns, but they will have to go to ministers for the final decision.

Mr Salmond's letter, addressed to Forth Ports chief executive Charles Hammond after a visit to the site, said: "As you know, I was very impressed by your plans for the area and the work which has already been undertaken. Our boat trip provided an excellent vantage point, and I look forward to seeing the project completed."

Leith Labour councillor Gordon Munro said: "It sounds like the First Minister has trumped the planning committee.

"As head of the body which is the final arbiter on the application, this is an unusual declaration of support for proposals yet to be decided by the planning committee never mind the Scottish Government."

The row follows concerns over Mr Salmond's personal intervention in Donald Trump's 1 billion golf resort application in Aberdeenshire, which led to claims he had compromised Scotland's planning system.

A committee of MSPs said the First Minister had shown "exceptionally poor judgement" over the plans, but Mr Salmond has always insisted his involvement was in his role as MSP for the area.

Edinburgh Pentlands Tory MSP David McLetchie said Mr Salmond might have been better advised not to comment on Forth Ports' plans at this stage.

He said: "It is another example of the First Minister treading on dangerous waters.

"Generally speaking, it is not prudent for any government minister to comment on planning applications until the process is completed. Alex Salmond might have been better advised to hold his tongue until then."

The Leith Docks plans would create thousands of jobs, generate billions of pounds of investment and make Edinburgh's waterfront a "world-class" destination over the next 20-30 years, but concerns have been voiced over the impact on the environment.

Lothians Green MSP Robin Harper said it was "odd" and "out of place" for Mr Salmond to comment at this stage.

He said: "Obviously when a scheme is approved, it is appropriate for a First Minister to say he is delighted it has got to that point, but for him to intervene at this stage is a little bit previous."

A spokeswoman for Mr Salmond insisted his comments were "perfectly normal and entirely appropriate".

She said: "Restrictions on public comment apply only to the planning minister or ministers engaged in the planning process while the application is before ministers."

Planning convener Jim Lowrie admitted Mr Salmond's letter was "unusual". But he said: "I don't think he was endorsing the actual plan."