Pupils want more input on planning

STUDENTS carrying out research into Edinburgh's local plan have found that teenagers want to get more involved in planning issues.

The Heriot-Watt students' project examined local perceptions of the Inverleith area and investigated awareness of the Edinburgh City Local Plan, which went out for public consultation for two months in 2008.

They visited Broughton High to speak to pupils about their views on the area and their thoughts on local planning issues.

One of the researchers, Elspeth Clark, said: "When asked, pupils had little knowledge about planning in their area and most had never heard of the Edinburgh City Local Plan.

"However, many of the pupils aged 14-17 said they would appreciate a member of the council coming in to speak to them about planning issues."

Dr Chris McWilliams, lecturer in urban studies at Heriot-Watt, said: "The students are conducting important research which seeks to engage with young people to ascertain their views and experiences of local planning issues which are relevant to them.

"Young people's views do matter and they should be given an opportunity to express them."