City colonies hails small victory in bid to halt flats

Residents of the Flower Colonies, off Slateford Road, are celebrating a small victory in their fight against a new housing development proposed for neighbouring land.

The application to build more than 100 flats next to the colonies was recommended for approval at Wednesday's meeting of the development management sub-committee.

However, the proposal attracted more than 200 letters of objection and committee members deferred their decision on the issue so that they could make a visit to the site.

That visit was due to take place yesterday, with the decision put off for two weeks.

Shaeron Averbuch is secretary of the JUMP (Joined Up Master Planning) Collective, which has supported residents in their fight against the plans.

She said: "I think what's very good about it is that the planning committee have decided that at least it's worth a site visit and I think that's excellent, because it shows that at least they're willing to see what the local people are concerned about.

"It's not until you go and look at the environment you realise that they've got a point that should be considered.

"It's not just the developers that are at fault, it's the planners as well"

The proposals by AMA (New Town) Ltd include 40 managed student flats for 220 people, with a further 63 flats built for sale on the private market.

Flower Colonies residents said the four blocks, the tallest of which are five storeys in height, would be too large for the site. They argue that the building designs are not in keeping with the neighbourhood, and that there is not enough parking in the area.