a day ago
Neighbours ready to ‘go to war' over parking spaces as council chiefs plan new houses
PARKING PLIGHT Neighbours ready to 'go to war' over parking spaces as council chiefs plan new houses
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RESIDENTS living in a Scots street say a new housing development will spark parking wars among neighbours.
Edinburgh Council has received plans for eight new build flats with parking provisions, a bike shelter, as well as a front and back garden in Wester Hailes from Prospect Housing.
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Plans have been lodged for a new housing development but residents are up in arms
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The flats will be built on the site of the car park that the locals already use
However the plans have caused outrage amongst current residents because the flats will be built on the site of the car park they already use.
Locals also fear that, as well as a shortage of parking spaces, the community's rat problem will worsen and there are added concerns the bus stop will be removed.
Residents have lodged 22 objections to the city's planning department.
The application says 20 parking spaces will be lost but nine new spaces will be added. However, that is little comfort to residents.
Maria Clark, 56, fears the shortage of spaces could lead to violence.
She told Edinburgh Live: 'The car park is full every night from 4pm. Take it away and I worry we wont be able to park outside.
'It could lead to fighting and resentment amongst neighbours. The plans show there are not enough parking provisions."
'We need our vehicles for our jobs. Our insurance won't cover us unless it is outside of our house and we don't want to pay for extra coverage during a cost of living crisis.
'The rat problem is already horrendous around here and when they start digging, it will get even worse. I've written in both times to object.
'My grandson is also asthmatic and I worry about his health with the dust and pollution. With big lorries coming into the area, I also worry about the young kids and animals.
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'We all fear the bus stop in front of the development will also have to be moved and that will impact the elderly and disabled. There are so many better areas to build locally than a car park we all rely on.
'I do not feel like we are being listened to.'
Another worried resident said she is concerned about overcrowding.
Se said: 'We are already having issues, it is rammed and a nightmare,' they said. 'We are all for affordable housing but the placement of this development isn't great.
'There are big fields opposite and the site of the closed old folks home. We are worried about the street overcrowding.
'It feels like they are just trying to squeeze folk in to solve the housing emergency.'
Planning documents state: 'The structure will measure approximately 15 meters in height and the materials shall be comprised of facing brick, dark grey tiles, zinc roofs, zinc cladding and glazed coloured brick. The proposed building line will extend from the neighbouring residential building to the east, angling towards Clovenstone Road to the west.
'Public open space in the form of communal gardens have been designed to the rear of the building, while private gardens for the two ground floor flats will be provided at the front of the site.
'The application also includes boundary treatments and new landscaping to the west of the site. This will incorporate the development of the existing vehicle parking area, the introduction of a new tarmac surface, and the provision of secure bike stores for 20 bicycles.'
Prospect was approached for comment.
