College extension plan anger

They are upset at the proposed 25 million redevelopment of the college's Milton Road East site.

The community council has submitted a formal objection to the plans, with a decision expected from city planners by early December.

At a meeting of Portobello Community Council last night, residents of nearby Brunstane Drive said the effects of the development could have an impact on the price of their property.

The college says the proposals, which also include a 20m upgrade of its Eskbank site, will allow it to boost its student roll by around 15 per cent.

Under the plans, the iconic "ship" building on the Milton Road East site would be one of the few buildings to remain, although it would be stripped and completely refitted.

A new swimming pool, music theatre, kitchen, restaurant, hairdressing salon, beauty parlour, spa and halls of residence would be among the new facilities to be created, with 70 homes built on an empty plot adjoining the site.

But residents fear the development will lead to increases in traffic, a reduction of parking spaces, an obstruction of views of the skyline, increased noise and significant obstruction of light for residential properties.

At last night's meeting, attended by 40 people and held at Portobello Baptist Church, residents of Brunstane Drive said one of the new buildings, to include a rooftop restaurant, would destroy views, light and privacy.

Patricia Millar, 66, who owns one of the bungalows on Brunstane Drive, just behind the site, said: "We are all worried about the effect this is going to have on us.

"It is very close to our homes and it's much higher than the existing 'ship' building - it's going to block all our daylight out.

"They say there will be a rooftop restaurant allowing views of the Pentland Hills. They're going to be gawking right down at us in our homes. It will even affect the value of our properties, there's no doubt about that."

Another resident said: "We've all got big concerns about the overall size of the building and the impact on parking and noise pollution. The size of the building is going to have a big impact on the daylight in the houses.

"There's going to be 200-300 people using the buildings, but there'll only be 60 extra parking spaces."

John Stewart, chairman of the Portobello Amenities Society, which deals with planning issues for the community council, said: "We have objected to the faculty block that will house the restaurant because it is too close to the housing behind it.

"Why put a new building right to the edge where it affects other housing, when it could be built in the middle? However, we are pleased to see money being spent on the campus, the layout being rationalised and more character given back to the landscape."

There are also concerns that the new swimming pool will be much smaller than the existing 25-metre facility, which is widely used by community groups.

College principal Howard McKenzie said the existing pool was built to teach swimming and survival to merchant naval seamen; it was at the end of its life and no longer fit for purpose.

He said: "Scotland's colleges have a duty to ensure they meet the needs of industry, and Jewel and Esk Valley is building a state-of-the-art teaching facility for hospitality, beauty and spa workers.

"It will also enable us to address the needs of students with accessibility or disability issues; providing both a movement and hydrotherapy learning facility.

A decision is expected to be made by the city council's planning committee at either the November 22 or December 5 meetings.