Despite the effort we put into it, the Forth Ports Outline Planning Application for Leith Docks sailed through the planning committee last Wednesday, as predicted. We were primarily concerned to raise the issue of green space, or the lack of it, in the Forth Ports proposals. However, due to the fact that we ended up with less than 2 minutes to address the planning committee, we left somewhat frustrated.

To their credit, both Cllr Munn and Cllr Thomas, our local councillors on the planning committee, did raise the issue of whether developers of the docks should pay money to upgrade Leith Links. As we understand things (and we may be wrong) developers did not end up being required to do this, although they will need to pay a considerable sum towards other things, like the tram line. This rules out a significant source of funding for future improvements to Leith Links, and will make it harder to take action on the outcomes of the Leith Links Ask. The application will now be referred to the Scottish Government for consideration, but we doubt that it'll meet many problems there. 

On a more positive note, Greener Leith did manage to have some positive influence over the final report on the Bonnington and Steads Place/Jane Street Development briefs. We did manage to keep the inclusion of the railway embankment green space to the South of Jane Street as an option, and to encourage the use of an access ramp from Leith Walk, rather than steps up to it. Although it's a great space in its own right, this green space would be the western access to any Leith Walk Green Bridge, so we felt it was at least important to preserve the space in the development brief.  Although the space is not exactly safeguarded, the Leith Walk Green Bridge idea has not been entirely ruled out either by the planners. We think the Leith Walk green bridge is an idea whose time will come, eventually. Even if it's not in our lifetime!

Given the industrial heritage and the rich history of the area covered by these design briefs, we felt it important that developers should consider interpretative signposting and public art to maintain a sense of place in open spaces and along cycle routes. This has also been included  in the final design brief.