Forth Ports apply to demolish listed grain silo

Forth Ports have submitted a planning application to demolish the Grade B listed grain silo on Leith Docks. They need to do this, in order to clear space for the giant power plant they propose to build on the site instead.

Interestingly, whilst the Scottish Government get to make the decision over whether the Biomass plant gets the go ahead, it is the City of Edinburgh Council who decide, in the first instance at least, whether to grant permission to demolish the building. Of course, if the Scottish Government doesn't like the decision that the council makes then it can "call the decision in," but nevertheless, this application gives the council some measure of direct influence over the planning process.

Apparently, Historic Scotland, the Scottish Government agency that might intervene, start from the premise that, "because listed buildings are a rare and unique resource, the presumption will be against granting permission to demolish unless it can be shown that there is no viable alternative."

Prior to the Forth Ports application for Listed Building Consent to knock down the grain silo, Historic Scotland have kept their cards close to their chest on the biomass plans saying simply in thier submission to the Scottish Government:

"In the absence of this [listed building consent] application setting out the justification for the demolition of the listed building we are unable to give a view on the Section 36 application [to build a biomass plant]. As you will be aware
we cannot give a view on Listed Building Consent “in principle”.

Now that Forth Ports have submitted the planning application to knock down the grain silo, it turns out that the council have been having technical difficulties uploading all the Forth Ports Listed Building Consent application documents. However, we have managed to obtain an electronic copy of the main report, which sets out the 'justification' for why the Grade 2 building should be demolished to make way for the giant biomass plant. Whilst there are apparently pages and pages of appendices too, this report gives the main arguments. We understand that they are being digested by both council planning officers and Historic Scotland.

Of course in the City of Edinburgh Local Plan, the Grain Silo was to be retained, with a large public park constructed around it.

What do you think? Forth Ports claim that building a power plant on the site is the only viable course of action. Do you think that the Grain Silo should be demolished so that Forth Ports can build an even larger power plant on the site? Do you think it should be retained? Would a park be better?

Forth Ports Imperial Grain Silo Demoltion. Main Report

Comments

[Alan]

Can't say i'd be sad to see it go. It's not the most inspiring looking building in Leith. That said i have seen some pretty amazing things done with old industrial buildings.

case in point : http://www.brisbanepowerhouse.org/content/venue-info/venues/powerhouse-theatre

The surrounding of the grain silo emphasize it depressing vibe. Give it parkland surrounding and a purpose, then it would be a great area.

Alan

[EllaTasm]

I have the most beautiful drawing of this building from art college days (1989 I think).
Be really sorry to see it go.

[m]

Leith's industrial heritage is just as important as the fine buildings paid for by merchants. It was these 'ugly' buildings and cranes and rail systems which was the engine for our economy. This industial heritage is incredibly important and it saddens me enormously that over the past 10 years I've lived here its been swept away. I briefly worked in Imperial dock and each day I walked there with great difficulty as pavements are unknown in the docks I was awed by this industial city with in a city. The cranes and gantries were so impressive. On a fun morning I'd wait for a boat to pass by before the bridge would swing out so I could cross. Once Edinburgh had a port, once Edinburgh imported goods and once scotland had industry. The decline of Leith Docks is horribly indicative of what is going wrong with our country.

[ricardoleith]

how on earth can we object to this? - seems to have gone through the 'back door' very quietly
I agree the actual silos in their current, deliberately, run down state don't encourage much objection, but to be allowed to do this as a reason to let for the biomess plant go ahead, seems very objectionable