Portobello Greenkeepers.org.uk
Portobello Park Action Group
We do not claim to represent the whole of the community, but we do represent the SIGNIFICANT MAJORITY

Portobello Park Action Group is a Community Action Group formed by people who enjoy Portobello Park and Golf Course for sporting and recreational purposes and who are concerned about the council's proposal to build housing and school(s) on the Park. This is the only sizeable piece of green land in the area and is much used and loved by a wide variety of local residents, school children, golfers, dog walkers, footballers and nature lovers. We want the best for all of the children in our community both in health and education.

Our aim is to preserve this piece of central, accessible green space for future generations to enjoy because, once built upon, it will be lost forever. Green space is fast being used up all over the country and is particularly important in urban areas close to where people live, performing the function of lungs for the city. This Common Good Land and should be protected.

We believe the council should consider other options and alternatives for replacing local schools and look into other ways of funding them other than disposing of public assets to pay for them. One of the proposed sites for a new school is presently being considered by the council for a rail transfer station for residual waste. This has been opposed by many people including Councillors and MSPs.

"I know that Gavin Strang MP and George Foulkes MSP have also written letters of objection. Councillor Ewan Aitken and all my Portobello/Craigmillar Council colleagues have also expressed their opposition." - Councillor Child

Scottish ministers are committed to strengthening protection for existing open space resources and ensuring that the future open space needs of all communities are planned for. This Scottish Planning Policy (SSP) sets out national policy on planning for open space and facilities for sport and recreation. Your attention is drawn to the following aspects of the SPP in particular:

•Every Scottish local authority must now undertake an open space audit and prepare an open space strategy. Once in place, these should be reviewed on a regular 5 year cycle to link with development plan preparation.

•A presumption against development on open spaces which are valued and functional, or which are capable of being brought back into functional use to meet a need identified in the open space strategy.

•A requirement to notify Scottish Ministers before granting planning permission for development which would result in the loss of land identified as open space in the development plan.