Terns kill off 700 port homes

THE biggest housing development in the Capital has been reduced in size by 700 homes – to protect the flight path of a colony of terns.

Forth Ports wanted to create around 16,000 homes as part of its massive regeneration of the Leith Docks area.

It has now emerged that the company agreed to slash the number of units after concerns from Scotland's nature watchdog that a colony of 1000 pairs of breeding terns could be harmed.

The outline planning application was passed by the city council's planning committee earlier this week. Forth Ports agreed to change its application after a scientific study was convened following discussions about the problem with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

Some buildings will now not be as tall as was initially planned, with most between the colony and the sea being reduced from six storeys to three, while others will not be built at all.

Charles Hammond, chief executive of Edinburgh-based Forth Ports, said: "I think, to be fair to Scottish Natural Heritage, they convened a scientific panel that looked at flight paths. They were keen to establish an exclusion zone and the aim was to provide a workable solution.

"Unfortunately, it has resulted in a decrease in unit numbers but it has allowed the development to go through and we will still be able to create 15,000 homes for the city."

SNH had initially objected to Forth's outline planning application on the basis of fears for the birds, part of the UK's biggest tern colony, on the Imperial Dock.

After it struck the agreement with Forth Ports the body retracted its objections to the scheme.

Part of the agreement saw new walkways and bridges relocated and a new cultural centre moved away from the colony. But it has only now emerged that the negotiations will see the total number of homes reduced significantly.

Ron Hewitt, chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, which has said the development is essential to the Capital's future prosperity, said: "I suspect that, because of the scale of the project, Forth Ports will try to be as accommodating to objectors as is possible.

"But we have a huge shortage of homes, particularly affordable homes, in Edinburgh and we cannot afford to reduce them."

Iain Rennick, SNH area manager for Forth and Borders, said: "As the site includes two Special Protection Areas, protected by European law, it was important to get this right.

"The project will now move forward to more detailed consideration of the various phases of the development. We are hopeful that we can continue to work closely with Forth Ports and the council."