GROUPS who missed out on having their say on the redevelopment of Leith Docks are being given a second chance thanks to the discovery of a colony of seabirds.
Forth Ports, which is behind the biggest planning application ever to be considered by the city council, was forced to revise its plans after the significant tern colony was found nearby.
And while this resubmission has since taken place, it has o
pened up an opportunity for organisations and individuals to make a formal representation.
When the lengthy documents were first released the council was criticised for not allowing enough time for people to examine the plan and comment upon it, despite an extension being put in place.
Now they have until July 15 to get their opinions in.
Greener Leith, the influential environmental organisation, is one body appreciative of the latest development.
A spokesman said: "Greener Leith got involved in this issue too late to submit comments to the first application. However, now that we all have a chance to comment on the Forth Ports regeneration proposals we have expanded on what we wrote previously."
In its new objection, it said it wanted more play, sports and allotment provision in the Forth Ports redevelopment area in order to meet national standards; ensure developers stump up cash to revamp Leith Links; and ensure sustainable transport is a priority.
Joined Up Master Planning, which is fiercely opposed to Forth Ports' vision for Leith Docks, arguing it isn't imaginative enough, said the new window gave an opportunity for the number of objectors to mount.
Ross McEwan, who co-founded the organisation, said: "It does allow an opportunity for people to make a comment if they didn't before, and the higher the number of objections, the more likely it is it will be called in for inquiry. People can also still write to the MSP (Malcolm Chisholm] as well.
"The change Forth Ports have submitted is a major one, and it makes me think if it is that easy to revise more changes could still be made to it now."
Forth Ports was alerted to the UK's biggest tern – a gull-like bird – colony last month by Scottish Natural Heritage. As a result, its vision of imposing buildings and towers had to be radically altered thanks to the 900 breeding pairs of the birds on an island in Leith Docks.
New walkways and bridges had to be relocated, the heights of new apartment blocks halved and a new cultural centre moved away from the colony.
Scores of individuals have asked politicians how to submit an objection in recent months only to be told it is too late, while some community organisations are also said to have welcomed this chance.
A spokesman for Forth Ports said: "This is a normal part of the planning process. There were concerns about the terns and we have reflected this in our revised application. As a result the consultation process has been opened up."
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