Edinburgh council unveils new designs for controversial Leith tram stop after protests over trees

Council chiefs say they have redesigned controversial plans for a tram stop at Stevedore Place in Leith after local protests against the loss of 30 mature trees.

The revised design for Stevedore Place, facing north

The trees will still be removed, but transport convener Lesley Macinnes said the council had worked with the community to draw up the new design and more than two new trees would be planted for every one removed.

Campaigners had questioned the need for a tram stop at Stevedore Place as part of the extension of the line to Newhaven. They argued there were two other stops just five minutes’ walk away. And they enlisted local children to write stories about trees in a bid to save them from the chop.

The council said the location of the tram stop was to allow maximum access for residents.

The revised concept design for Stevedore Place, facing south

The trees which are going will have to be removed by the end of next month because of the nesting season. The council said 75-80 trees would be planted in the area, 55-60 of them in the immediate vicinity of Stevedore Place.

The designs will see trees replanted on Stevedore Place on the south side of the street along with a row of green hedges on the north side.

More trees will be planted in front of the old casino building, on a strip of land next to the development site on Ocean Way and at the Fingal car park on Stevedore Place. Sites for planting additional trees around Ocean Terminal have also been identified.

Further discussion will take place on the best species and size of tree to plant in each location and the best time to plant them.

Councillor Macinnes said: “We have worked closely with local community representatives to develop new designs for Stevedore Place, which will maintain the ‘boulevard’ feel on the street, with trees and hedges lining both sides. As well as replanting between 55 and 60 trees in the immediate vicinity, we’ll also be able to plant even more trees in the wider area.

“We want residents to feel the maximum benefits of this project, and by locating a stop here we’re providing an attractive and accessible option for all users, especially those with mobility issues. These new designs fulfil this while also retaining trees and green space for the people that live here.”

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