UK NEWS

RESIDENTS PETITION AGAINST HOTEL EXPANSION PLANS

Residents say the building will block their view of Forth Bridge

Saturday March 1,2008

By Alexander Lawrie

Comment Speech Bubble Have your say(3)

ANGRY residents of a small town have gathered a 1,000 signature petition to halt a hotel’s plans for a five-storey extension that would block their view of the Forth bridges.

The Orocco Pier in South Queensferry, has been granted permission to build the extension, but locals, supported by authors Iain Banks, James Kelman and Ken McLeod, are calling for a public inquiry.

Television producer Bruce Whitehead, 48, who is heading the campaign for a public enquiry , yesterday handed the petition to Edinburgh City Council who granted permission for the extension in April 2007.

He said: “This planning application is to the detriment of the town. South Queensferry is a historic place with some of the most iconic views in Scotland.

“This new building will change forever the skyline of the town, and it will affect locals and tourists alike, because some of the great views of the bridges from the High Street will disappear.

This planning application is to the detriment of the town

Television producer Bruce Whitehead

“The planning process seems to have been rushed through without much concern for the actual people it is going to affect.

“Our main problem is that the new hotel extension is not in keeping with the heritage of the town.”

Councillor Norman Work, said time was against the protestors and added: “I’m quite happy for an extension because it will benefit the town with an increase in tourism, but I am concerbed about the height of the building and the parking and traffic problems it will bring.

“I’m not really sure what can be done about it at this late stage.”

Protesters have identified at least seven errors in the original Orocco Pier planning application, and these mistakes formed the basis of their complaint to the Ombudsman last year.

Eight months on, the Ombudsman has still to confirm th ematter will be investigated, citing staff shortages for their lack of progress.

Edinburgh Provost George Grubb, a Queensferry councillor, has backed the plans.

He said: “There was a public consultation process for over 18 months and there were only 13 objections to the plans.

“Unfortunately, all the public objections were received after the consultation process was completed.”

The extension will offer guests a new grand ballroom, self-contained private dining, 18 additional bedrooms, two extra bars and a restaurant.

Construction is expected to start this summer.

Co-owner Peter Wilson said: “We have worked hand-in-hand with the council’s planning department and the local community to get the design absolutely right.

“Understandably, a few people will have issues with the expansion, but the planning department deemed them non-material. I am happy to sit down with anyone to explain the process and to allay any fears they might have.”

The Orocco Pier won the Scottish Wedding Hotel of the Year 2006, and also received a highly commended distinction in the category for the 2006 Sexiest Scottish Hotel.

HIGH STREET "VIEWS OF THE BRIDGES"

02.03.08, 3:02pm

I challenge Bruce Whitehead to identify the locations of the spots from which "some of the great views of the bridges from the High Street will disappear"

• Posted by: Davidloonydook • Report Comment