Published: Thursday, 10th July, 2008 08:10
Bid for homes on 'contaminated' site
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FIFTY-EIGHT new homes could be built at a “contaminated” gasworks site on Balcarres Road if a planning application gets the green light.
The development – one quarter of which would be earmarked as affordable housing – was welcomed by community councillors. However, they are to seek confirmation that the site has been decontaminated following three decades of use as a gasworks.
They have also urged council planners to extend the consultation period on the application to allow them more time to consider its implications and their response.
Planning committee member, councillor John Caldwell said that he could not comment on the specific application as that would contravene council policy.
However, he added: “Standard procedure for any contaminated area, such as the former gasworks site, would be to scrape a layer of surface ground, take it away and dispose of it.”
News of the development has sparked concern among some local residents anxious about the potential build-up of traffic and lack of amenities for children.
Following a meeting with agents for the developer (National Grid Property Holding Ltd) two weeks ago, chairman of Goose Green Tenants and Residents Association (GGTRA), Ian Gordon, said the group was keen to secure a playpark for local children and prevent potential ‘bottle-necks’ on nearby roads.
He said: “One of the problems is that there are two roads leading into the area – one from Musselburgh Racecourse and one from Shorthope Street – but only one exit road at (the corner beside) Loretto.
“Where is all this extra traffic going to go?”
The GGTRA chairman, who has lived in the area for 15 years, said the developer claimed to have conducted a traffic survey and concluded that there would “not be a problem”.
As a sweetener, Mr Gordon has suggested that developers subsidise the creation of a play park on a grassed area next to the cadet barracks, to the rear of Goose Green Place.
He said: “We have an infant play park on Golf Course Gate which is not being used because of drugs and youths drinking there.
“We would like to see a proper play park set up for the benefit of existing residents’ children and those likely to move into the new homes.”
Irene Tait, who chairs Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council said: “In principle the community council would not object to the application because affordable housing is much-needed.
“As long as we get a report that the area has been decontaminated that would be acceptable to us.”
GGTRA is to host an open meeting in August to discuss the application.
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