Letters: Planning process changes will be a threat to land

THE Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill is currently passing through Westminster.

It may sound innocuous and obscure, but it could have a serious effect on our ability to influence future developments in our local area.

The Bill will make changes to regional planning that could make it even harder for local people and communities to engage in the planning process. This is really serious as the Government currently has a target to build three million new homes by 2020.

Regional plans are used to decide where these new houses should be built and once these targets are signed off by central government, local councils are required to make sufficient land available to enable these houses to be built, even if the regional targets are not achievable.

With the current recession, the numbers of houses the Government wants to see won't get built, and developers will only pick the cheapest and easiest sites to build on. With such high targets councils will be forced to let them build wherever they want, regardless of any negative social, economic or environmental impacts.

While there is a need for more affordable homes, research has shown that just building more and more houses doesn't make them more affordable. There needs to be targeted action to build affordable homes where they are needed most.

Changes need to be made to the Bill so people are guaranteed a chance to influence what development happens where they live. It is essential people write to their MPs to call for changes to the Bill.

Mr Tom Wright, West Bay Road, North Berwick

Solution isn't right one for problem

MY comments about the proposed Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in Shandon being a "pig's ear" (News, 6 May) were my own views rather than those of Craiglockhart Parent Council. However, having listened to parents' views on parking I am not sure that there will be much disagreement.

The council has recommended that CPZ be extended to much of Shandon but excluding the "colonies". Other than resident feedback it is not clear what the rationale is for this distinction. Either CPZ is right for all of the area or for none of it.

Instead of asking "will CPZ resolve traffic problems in this area?", the city council should have said: "Is there a problem?" (yes, there is) and then: "What are all the possible solutions that might resolve the problem?" Coming along with a pre-packaged solution in the shape of CPZ was, at best, only likely to address part of the problem; at worst, it undermines the credibility of traffic reduction measures as a whole.

I strongly share the objective of seeking to re-balance the use of public space more towards people rather than metal boxes on wheels. But sometimes the city council makes support hard-won.

Gavin Corbett, Briarbank Terrace, Edinburgh

It's time to renew incinerator fight

IN your article "Waste incinerator: 'Time to find a solution is fast running out'" (4 May) you wrote that Viridor's proposal to open a massive waste transfer site near Portobello was considered by Edinburgh City Council's Planning Committee and "rightly they turned it down on the grounds that it would have meant hundreds of lorries a day thundering through densely populated areas".

Unfortunately Viridor is back, having lodged an appeal.

Viridor is, once again, submitting plans to construct an enormous metal shed, 80 metres long by 45 metres wide and towering over five floors in height, in the midst of this seaside community. This monstrosity will be visible from all the surrounding areas including Duddingston, Joppa, Brunstane, Magdalene and from the beach itself. This eyesore will be built within both walking distance and view of hundreds of homes, several nurseries and schools and the proposed site for the new Portobello High School.

We managed to convince the Planning Committee to reject Viridor's horrendous development plan last August. We now must do the same to the inquiry reporter. Let us appreciate our seaside and develop it wisely.

Laurie McAlindin, Portobello

Don't deny pupils daily school walk

I THINK more should be done to encourage children to walk to and from school. It is a vital and enjoyable aspect of school life.

In the climate we live in the protection and security of children is paramount but to wrap them up in cotton wool may be the wrong thing to do from the child's long term development point of view.

I have fond memories of walking miles to and from school on a daily basis, meeting classmates along the way and chatting about everything from football to politics whilst comparing notes on homework. It is a sad reflection on society that children are deprived of this part of growing up.

Angus McGregor, Albion Road, Edinburgh

Thanks for caring for sick daughter

MY daughter was diagnosed with meningitis over the phone by an NHS 24 nurse and an ambulance was sent within minutes.

An overnight stay at Ninewells Hospital was followed by a transfer to Edinburgh's Sick Kids hospital for intensive care and high dependency nursing.

May I thank all doctors and nurses involved in my daughter's care and her ongoing rehabilitation staff on her road to recovery.

Arlene Low, Panter Crescent, Montrose, Angus