Controversial care home to include therapeutic garden

Published on Wednesday 29 July 2009 10:00

A NEW therapeutic garden open to the public would be created under plans for a controversial care home on the edge of the Meggetland playing fields.

Developer ELS Limited has formally submitted its plans for a 60-bedroom nursing home on disused land next to Slateford Station and Meggetland.

When it initially approached community groups about the plans, there were concerns about the loss of green space.

The firm said in its formal planning application that the site would include a "network of paths meandering through a new upgraded open space", containing shrubs and plants.

It also said that the application would allow for the introduction of a therapeutic garden, walled garden and winter garden that would benefit the community.

Community leaders, however, are still opposed to the plans and the loss of open space.

In a design statement written on behalf of ELS by architects Format Building Design, the firm said: "This open space and gardens will be of great benefit to the residents of the care home and, as the gardens will be open to the residents of the local community and general public, to the local community at large."

A previous therapeutic garden had existed nearby at the historic Redhall House, on Redhall House Drive, until it was sold by the city council to make way for a Miller Homes development in 2007.

"This is an ideal opportunity to restore a therapeutic garden for the community and add additional features, with the winter garden and walled garden," Format Design said.

As well as the gardens, the current plans would see a care home "campus" created, with four blocks each containing 15 bedrooms, as well as a main reception block.

The developer argues that, although the site is currently private open space, "it is not fulfilling any of the objectives for open space", with no amenity, leisure, recreational or sport value.

But Councillor Gordon Buchan, who represents the Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart ward, said: "It is still contrary to council policy. The local plan says that whole areas should be open space and not be built upon.

"I've had a number of residents on to me already asking how they object to this. They don't want to see more of Meggetland lost.

"These gardens will fall into that category. What is wrong with having normal open space, as the local plan states?"

Hugh Crawford, of Sir Frank Mears Associates architects, said the proposal will "enhance the open space and support passive recreation".