City chiefs in ‘economic madness’

City council chiefs have been accused of “economic madness” over plans to sell a prime Granton site to a care home operator.

The council has announced it will sell its historic walled garden site to THI Healthcare for £1 million.

But community group JUMP is continuing to hold a public consultation on its “Granton sur Mer” vision for the site, which was to include an outdoor swimming pool, arts village and garden festival.

Thomas Brown, chairman of JUMP said: “Our scheme is viable, affordable and sustainable. It will get planning permission and funding support.

“Instead of a £1 million capital receipt, it will generate millions of pounds for community benefit and jobs in the long term, and it seems the only people who don’t recognise this is City of Edinburgh Council – it’s economic madness.”