A group of local residents in Edinburgh’s New Town have been left furious at a proposal to build a five-storey block of work huts on their street.
Developers floated the idea of the multi-storey offices on Dundas Street for their workmen to use while they transform the neighbouring former RBS site. But residents argued it could obstruct traffic along one of the main thoroughfares into the city centre by encroaching into the carriageway.
The massive development at the former RBS building on Dundas Street will see the construction of new flats and offices in the heart of the capital. The new project from Ediston will see the construction of 435 new flats, as Edinburgh Live reported previously, and the demolition of the old RBS building is currently underway.
Developers have contacted local residents to propose the building of temporary offices for construction workers on Dundas Street. The five-storey office block would be built above the street on scaffolding, with a path underneath to allow for pedestrian access.
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However, local residents associations have hit out at the proposal, saying that it would form a “significant obstruction” to the passage of pedestrians. The Fettes Row and Royal Crescent Association have suggested that the office buildings could instead be housed inside the site itself, even if it would have to be moved over the course of the construction work.
Ediston has insisted that the proposal was only to obtain feedback from the local community and that they are not currently pursuing the road occupation permit they would need to construct the offices.
In a response to the proposed office building, the Fettes Row and Royal Crescent Association wrote: “Despite your point that the ‘tunnel’ underneath the proposed accommodation will be lit and provide adequate space to pass through, it will still amount to a significant obstruction to the passage of pedestrians and traffic, possibly resulting in pedestrians having to walk on the roadway at very busy times.
“Dundas Street is a route for public and tourist buses, delivery lorries and, critically, ambulances and fire engines. The current tunnel walkway on George IV bridge, similar to that you propose, is partially dark at night, and does not feel safe or comfortable for pedestrians at night-time.”
Edinburgh Live spoke to Cherry Campbell from the Fettes Row and Royal Crescent Association, who said: “It was about a month ago when a member was approached and it sounded as though nothing very much was going to be above the pavement.
"And then another resident, who lives on Dundas Street opposite the proposed gantry, said that they will need to light it 24 hours a day. So it will invade on his privacy, basically right into his windows. He's extremely steamed up about it."
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “The Council has not granted a road occupation permit for the proposed structure. I have asked that the developers consider alternative options for on-site accommodation, and that the council works with them and Ward Councillors to reach a solution.”
We contacted Ross McNulty, from Ediston, who said: “At present there are no firm proposals for progressing with on street accommodation. The approach was simply to obtain feedback from the local residents with respect to an option that was presented by the contractor.
“You have hopefully also been made aware that we are very mindful of our relationship with the local community and have consulted with them extensively on the project. We will of course continue to work with the council to reach an appropriate solution in due course.”
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