Draft Waterfront Promenade Design Code Consultation

Another draft planning brief has been released recently. Greener Leith has received a copy of the Council's Draft Waterfront Promenade Design Code. It's a big document,  best downloaded in sections from the council  web page. The promenade, projected for completion in 2038, will run for 17 kilometres along Edinburgh's coastline. It is split into a series of sections, with 'nodes' (significant points) along it.

The plan envisages different types of nodes. These range from 'economic' to 'aesthetic' or 'circulatory' (where different transport routes meet at on the promenade). Key questions that the consultation seeks to answer are:

• What surface treatments are most appropriate?
• Are the node(s) in the right locations?
• What should be in the node(s)?
• What street furniture is needed?
• What should the signage look like?
• Are the transport connections adequate?
• And,  What other issues should we be aware of?

Here's our initial thoughts on the proposals:

First of all, we're pleased to see that the corridor should be at least 8m wide. The proposals acknowledge that some parts of the promenade that have been built recently, like the section along the edge of the Western Harbour, do not meet these specifications. We feel it is important the sections that are to be built by private developers are built to the same standards as the public sector, and that the planning committee rigorously enforces this principle.

In terms of surfaces the code proposes that natural caithness granite flags are used at 'nodes' and allows for lower quality surface options in less high profile areas. Ideally, Greener Leith would like to see the code favour granite stone finishes throughout the length of the path, with wooden boardwalks used where 'design solutions' are required to bridge or widen particular areas. Wooden boardwalks work well along the Water of Leith in similar situations. If this is not possible, a small number of appropriate surface finishes should be specified by the final code as this will help to give the route an identity along it's length.

The report notes that many similar pathways in Europe have no rail or wall between the path and the sea. In the UK 'health & safety' apparently  requires the path to have some sort of railing or wall on the shoreline side. Whilst the design code proposes that new sections include railings that are 'visually permeable' to encourage a feeling of openness, Greener Leith would like to see a  reassessment of the route to identify sections where no railing or wall is required on the shoreline side. We believe this would make the path much more attractive, and encourage a more natural link with the shoreline.

The design code does little to specify the street furniture, simply recommending that it should take account of the 'local character and promenade environment'. Whilst there should be local distinctiveness along the route, we wonder whether this specification should be more detailed, especially, as the design code may be adopted as 'supplementary planning guidance?'  

Turning to the specific Leith area of the promenade, we note that no mention of the footpath link to Leith Links is made at points F/F1. Greener Leith has campaigned to improve this link, and we feel that it should be considered a 'minor circulatory node,' in the design code. Furthermore, any design solution that may be required to deliver the section E-F& F1 should consider this.

Section G1-G2 of the promenade could be an area where a shoreside barrier may not be required. This will help to preserve the views and open aspect of the path as it is.

We note that at Node 10 (section G -G3), where the proposed seaward extension to Leith Links meets the promenade, this study proposes a 'park/activity' node. This node needs to be carefully thought out, so that the activities proposed in this plan match those in the seaward extension design study. That study, proposes a football pitch located at the seaward end of the extension. The promenade design code proposes a plaza, with cafe, toilets, shelter, public art and so forth. Greener Leith prefers the promenade design code proposals (with the football pitches located further in land), although the node should also take account of the fact that this space will need to accommodate a potentially busy cycle path junction too.

At node 11 on the same section, the code identifies scope to develop an Ecological node. Could the code make more of a commitment to provide better interpretation at this node, to explain the local natural heritage? Could the 'black rocks' section of the path be another section where a shoreline barrier may not be required?

With regards to section I-I1 which is the section by Newhaven Harbour, Greener Leith wonders whether there would be scope to provide a site for an outdoor market, where wind protection can be put in place?

Lastly, where the promenade runs through the area to be regenerated by Forth Ports, we hope that some thought will be given to the uses the promenade will be put to, integrating the path with the wider regeneration or the area. For example, where the promenade passes through mixed use areas, perhaps the path specifications need to be wider than 8m to allow for cafes to put chairs and tables out on the path, without impeding passers by? It would be an unfortunate outcome if private developers met the promenade specification, but delivered a path that was in fact disconnected from the wider development. The path along the Western Harbour (section I-I1) has this feel, with few connections into the development itself. It does little to encourage local residents to use it, and in turn this does little to foster local 'ownership' of the path.  

 Do you agree with us, or are we completely wrong? Please comment on what we've said, as we will take account of your views before we submit our thoughts to the planning department. Comments don't need to be in until the 17th of July and should be sent to kate.evans@edinburgh.gov.uk