Protests rejected as developer's £100m plan gets the go-ahead

BL Developments has drawn up controversial plans to turn a Portobello gap site into a massive 100 million development of more than 700 homes.

The former ScottishPower site off Portobello High Street will also include a GP and dental surgery, pharmacy, artist studios and the relocation of the Royal British Legion.

Community activists – who successfully blocked a scheme by the site's previous owner to build a supermarket – have objected to a range of issues, including the height of the buildings, excess traffic and the impact on local schools. More than 140 individuals have lodged objections to the new plans.

However, Philip Myerscough, managing director of Edinburgh-based BL Developments, said: "It is a major site and understandably residents are very concerned to ensure what goes in is appropriate and meets the needs of Portobello.

"We have owned the site for over four years and have worked with the community, community councils and the city council to adapt and grow the site in line with their observations."

The total number of homes was reduced from 739 to 710 after community consultation. They are to include 25 per cent of affordable housing, with most within the block that will contain the Royal British Legion.

If consent is given, Mr Myerscough said development of the first phase facing Portobello High Street, including the health facilities and some flats, could get under way quickly.

"These are difficult economic times," he said. "But we are in discussions with our bank as to how we take this project forward. We would like to do it in a series of manageable chunks."

Among the groups to object was the Portobello Masterplan Action Group (PMAG), which represents 200 residents. Caroline Hosking, a spokeswoman for the group, said: "We feel very disappointed that after a great deal of consultation, involving residents giving their time to meetings and letter writing, very little has changed and our views have not had any significant impact on the proposed development."

She added: "Whilst we welcome housing on this site, we are very disappointed that the plans are for six-storey, plus one-two storey for roof/elevations, blocks of flats rather than houses and low-rise flats."

The Portobello Amenity Society also objected to the "scale, density and height" of the buildings.

John Bury, the council's head of planning, has recommended that the proposals are approved. However, councillors will have the final say at a planning committee meeting next week.

PILING ON THE PRESSURE

Some of the groups set up by Portobello's most active residents:

Portobello For A New School (PFANS): campaign to build a new Portobello High School on Portobello Park

Portobello Park Action Group (PPAG): against a new Portobello High School on Portobello Park

Portobello Opposes New Garbage Site (PONGS): against a new waste transfer depot off Sir Harry Lauder Road

Portobello Energy Descent and Land Reform (PEDAL): environmental campaign group

Portobello Masterplan Action Group (PMAG): against new housing on the promenade and the new housing site at the old Scottish Water building

Portobello Against The Supermarket (PATS): successfully fought plans for a new store off Portobello High Street