Archers' plans for Meadows site off target say objectors

OBJECTORS have got the Royal Company of Archers in their sights over plans to knock down the home of Edinburgh's oldest bowling club to make way for an exclusive student development.

More than 100 objections have been lodged against the plans by the RCA to develop a new archery range and student housing on the site in the Meadows. The plans have been recommended for approval by council officials.

But objectors have hit out at the plans, which also involve the demolition of a historic lodge house, saying they will damage the character of the Meadows and ruin the setting of the B-listed Archers' Hall.

Heritage watchdog the Cockburn Association said it was "unnecessary and inappropriate".

Yvonne Holton, cases committee officer with the Cockburn Association, said: "The proposals as they stand represent an over-development of the site that compromises historic built fabric, the setting of the B-listed Archer's Hall and do not enhance the Southside Conservation area.

"The demolition of the lodge house to make way for new-build student accommodation is unnecessary and inappropriate."

Paul Beswick, a member of Tollcross Community Council, added: "It's clear that this development cannot be approved without driving a coach and horses through all our planning guidance and rules."

The development would see two student accommodation buildings created, with room for 75 students.

There would also be a new modern entrance link created for Archers' Hall, and the conversion of the lodge to provide further student accommodation.

The RCA, the Queen's official bodyguards when she is in Scotland, has said the development is vital to secure the future of both Archers' Hall and the nationally important collection of historic artefacts contained within. And it is hoping it will allow the company to make the collection more accessible to the public.

But the Southside Community Council have also objected, and secretary Colin Christison said: "The entire site is important to the character of the area. The site has been spoken of as 'sterile' when it is a peaceful oasis in a busy part of the city."

Despite this, council officials have recommended the application be approved, and said the loss of the historic bowling green and clubhouse was compensated for by the improved access to archery.

They also said there would be no adverse impact on the conservation area as a result of the development.

In a statement to the council, David Younger, chairman of the RCA, said without the development there could be "no certainty" that the company could continue to support the upkeep of Archer's Hall and the collection.

"The benefits of the project are of both local and national significance," he said.

The plans are expected to be approved by the council on Wednesday.