Help Sitemap Home Skip Navigation Contact Us Disability Statement

Endinburgh Council
 
 
Monday, 2nd November 2009 Change Date Latest Issue

Unesco slams city's handling of Caltongate

Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image

Published Date: 18 November 2008
ONE of the most controversial plans ever to go ahead in the city has been slammed by Unesco.
The criticism of Caltongate comes after the city was assured its World Heritage Status would survive, despite fears that several major developments could jeopardise the title.

But Unesco European heritage chief Dr Mechtild Rossler poured scorn on both the council's handling of the planning application and the needless demolition of two listed buildings to make way for the scheme.

She said it was rare that, in such a prized site, a developer should lead the master planning for a development of that scale rather than the local authority, and hinted that perhaps not enough attention was paid to protesters.

Following a visit to the Capital, she said: "There were a number of issues that concerned us about the Caltongate development.

"We do consider that listed buildings should only be demolished as a last resort and generally should not happen in a World Heritage site. It is very important to us that stakeholders are listened to and their views are not overrun.

"It's very puzzling that the council did not lead the original master planning process."





Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 18 November 2008 10:03 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Caltongate development
 
1

Peter - very disappointed/concerned,

Edinburgh 18/11/2008 12:31:09
It would be very nice if the media could stick to one version of this story, or the other.

Over the last 3 days it has been reported in the local press and radio that UNESCO were not really very concerned about Caltongate and were not opposed to the current plans.

"perhaps not enough attention was paid to protesters."

Does that include the graffiti attack during the hours of darkness on Thursday/Friday of last week on the security fence around the Caltongate site by so called 'protesters'?

It is to be hoped that the offical bodies will distance themselves from these neds/nedettes.

Whatever UNESCO have to say, the planned work should be allowed to continue and be completed.



2

Bill MacD,

18/11/2008 12:36:49
The Council's planning department has no idea about how to protect our city's civic heritage. It seems all they care about is making money in the short term, regardless of how much it damages our long-term interests by destroying the historic value that makes Edinburgh so wonderful to work in or visit. Their obsession with modernity and thrall to business interests, whilst freezing out the city's population from having any genuine say in local civic matters, is one of the most disgraceful examples of arrogant power abuse of any public employees I have ever encountered. We need our elected representatives to get hold of this situation and ideally replace key personnel before more damage is done.
3

Buttress,

18/11/2008 12:53:31
Read the story:

http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh/Unesco-slams-city-on-Caltongate.4702886.jp

No-one knows who wrote stuff on the hoardings Peter. It may even have been you??? ;-)

Wise up Peeweee.
4

JFW,

New town 18/11/2008 13:02:50
I'm a visitor to Edinburgh, came 14 years ago and stayed as the place was so spectacular; now I'm concerned by the council's blatant disregard for the city's heritage status and long-term future. Trams aside (big waste of cash) all that's going on is hotel development and student accommodation for many thousands of extra tourists and students that they seem certain we're going to have but the rest of us have doubts about. I definitely have my doubts, especially since almost everything being done is at odds with the character of the city and to the detriment of residents who live centrally, which is a big and, as far as cities go, unusual (but crucial) part of Edinburgh's character. I think the balance has been lost between the needs of local residents and the needs of the city's economy (and I'm in the tourist industry myself). The city is going to become a caricature of itself before too long, all original character will be lost.
5

Mr Crisps,

Musselburgh 18/11/2008 13:03:49
Tail wags dog shock horror. Money talks. Edinburgh Council's reputation starting to go before them.
6

Rap,

18/11/2008 13:06:57
Peter, you can't just blame the media if the Council try and pre-empt negative feedback by jumping in and saying UNESCO gave them the all clear. There are quotes in the articles, so if no-one was speaking to the paper they'd have nothing to write.
7

THE BPRENTICE,

18/11/2008 13:54:39
where's the accountability for anything these days?
8

Buttress,

18/11/2008 14:33:26
I think the buck should stop here:

http://www.independentrepublicofthecanongate.blogspot.com/


The Planning Convenor in action.
9

mad moo,

edinburgh 19/11/2008 00:35:23
Cant stop laughing at the idiot Planning Convenor Jim Lowrie on You tube!

Pity no sign of Trevor Davies on You Tube as the rot started with him....
10

Buttress,

19/11/2008 09:23:53
Yes, Trevor the finger. Where is he now? I gather he was schmoozing the UNESCO two last week at the council reception.

Seems not to have done much good.

Leaving the masterplanning of a huge site in the middle of a WHS to a commercial developer with no interest in history was asking for trouble really.


 

Comment on this Story

 

In order to post comments you must Register or Sign In

 
 
RSS Feed of this article's comments
Delivery formats: RSS, Atom, Javascript & Email
 
  

 
 

More Caltongate development

More Caltongate development >>

Today's Vote

Should the Old Town’s Caltongate development be revived in its original form?
Yes, it was an innovative and stylish proposal
No, it was not in fitting with the Old Town
Yes, but it needs to be done more cheaply

Web Links:

Featured Advertising



Sister Newspapers:
Press Complaints Commission

This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then contact the Editor by clicking here.

If you remain dissatisfied with the response provided then you can contact the PCC by clicking here.