£300m Old Town development could face UN investigation

Published on Thursday 7 February 2008 21:16

EDINBURGH could face an official investigation over its World Heritage Site status after the controversial go-ahead for the vast majority of a £300 million development in its Old Town.

Campaigners have vowed to lobby the heritage arm of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in an attempt to have Scotland's capital placed on an "endangered" list.

The Prince of Wales – who warned last week of the growing threat of development to various historic areas, including Edinburgh's Old Town – is being asked to intervene personally.

An official advisory body to Unesco has warned that there has been "no adequate justification" for the demolition of two listed buildings, which the developer insists is essential for the creation of a five-star hotel and conference centre.

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos) said it was "appropriate" for Unesco's World Heritage committee to examine the scheme.

The Scottish Government will have the final say on the scheme – which also involves the creation of 200 homes, a public square, office blocks and a new cultural quarter.

Sally Richardson, of the Save Our Old Town campaign, said: "We will be encouraging everyone we can to inform Unesco about the threats to the World Heritage Site from Caltongate."

Icomos officials are concerned that the council "actively encouraged" the sale and demolition of the listed buildings.

A spokeswoman said: "If the proposals are referred to the World Heritage Centre, they might be considered by the committee at its next session in Quebec in July.

"The committee would have the option of asking for a joint Unesco/Icomos mission to consider the project. It could press for changes to the project or consider putting the site on the danger list until the threats could be removed."

A spokeswoman for Unesco's World Heritage Centre said: "I understand it is not foreseen that Edinburgh will figure on the final list of sites recommended for inscription on the danger list this year.

"However, Edinburgh has been on the radar of our heritage centre for several years, and our last report on the World Heritage Site makes specific mention of threats from inappropriate development."

Thomas Docherty, for the developer, Mountgrange, said: "There is no justification for a Unesco investigation and these are wild suggestions."