Calls continue for Caltongate public inquiry

Published on Friday 29 February 2008 09:44

CAMPAIGNERS fighting the controversial £300 million Caltongate scheme today made fresh calls for a public inquiry, despite changes to the plans.

The Evening News revealed yesterday that developer Mountgrange has abandoned its original plans to demolish some Royal Mile tenements.

The majority of the front and rear elevations of the MacRae buildings will now be retained, containing five affordable housing units, if the plans are approved by councillors next week.

The Old Town Association, which objected to the Caltongate scheme, has lent its support to the revisions, but campaigners from the Save Our Old Town (SOOT) group said the changes amounted to "tinkering".

Campaigner Sally Richardson said: "No one has contacted us further to consult about this latest proposal, which is simply tinkering with a scheme to which many people have objected, not least because of the loss of listed buildings, the over-development of the site, and inappropriate and low-quality architecture.

"We are seeking a public inquiry, in order that all those objections that were ignored by the council and Mountgrange can have their voices heard."