Consultation Hub

We asked for comments on our proposals for major refurbishment works on Newbattle Terrace between Morningside Road and Eden Lane.

Although many respondents were supportive of the scheme overall, the most unpopular aspect by far was the proposal to narrow and signalise the junction of Newbattle Terrace and Pitsligo Road, and to render Pitsligo one-way at its southern end.

We have re-examined the arrangement at Pitsligo Road and have amended the design as follows:

• Pitsligo Road will remain two-way over its entire length
• There will no longer be a stand-alone pedestrian crossing on Newbattle Terrace
• The narrowing at the junction of Newbattle and Pitsligo will remain, with a minimum of 2-metre-wide footpaths
• The junction of Newbattle and Pitsligo will be a 3-way traffic signal junction with pedestrian crossing points on all arms

We asked for views on crossing proposals in the vicinity of Stanhope Street and Hampton Terrace as part of the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) cycle infrastructure project.

The proposals are summarised below:

Option A- Pedestrian and segregated cycle crossing (Stanhope Street one way with motorists entering via Stanhope Street and exiting via Devon Place)

Option B – Pedestrian crossing only (maintain two-way access for traffic at Stanhope Street.  Cyclists need to dismount to access and use the crossing)                        

There were 102 responses to this consultation.  Responses were predominately from local residents. There was one response from the local amenity association.

Details of preferences expressed are:

Option A             11%

Option B              89%

The majority of respondents favoured Option B.

Respondents expressed strong concern that closing Stanhope Street to two way traffic would put unnecessary traffic pressure on the only exit point at the east end of Devon Place which is already considered to be a difficult junction.  By moving traffic onto the neighbouring cobbled streets this would cause congestion, noise and disruption and impact on air quality. It was also considered that only a small number of cyclists would use the segregated cycle crossing.

Those in favour of option A commented that a segregated cycle crossing would provide a family friendly crossing and a significant improvement to safety.  Concerns were expressed that it would be awkward for cyclists having to dismount at a pedestrian crossing. 

Following consideration of the preferences given and the comments arising from the consultation, we now propose to progress with Option B as the approved design to be taken forward.

The Council engaged with all relevant stakeholders to seek their opinions ahead of the re-procurement of the contract for a festival event in Inverleith Park during the month of August.  2019 was the third and final year of the existing contract.

There were 99 responses received in total and just over half agreed with the general proposal to hold a ticketed event in Inverleith Park in August.

In terms of the length of time that the event would be on-site (10 days inclusive of set up and de-rig) again, just over half agreed with, or had no opinion either way that this was an acceptable length of time.

The majority of respondents favoured a donation to general park improvements, closely followed by donations to new infrastructure such as play or exercise equipment.

We have fully considered the responses from stakeholders and sought further feedback from elected members.  As there was no overall majority for either of the questions asked, we will be proceeding with the current specification.

The final contract will be awarded following assessment of a competative tender, in line with the Council procurement policies and procedures.