New Edinburgh community microhub approved by the council to benefit locals in Wester Hailes
A new Edinburgh community microhub has been approved by the council to benefit locals in Wester Hailes.
Wester Hailes Growing (WHC) applied to the City of Edinburgh Council in August for permission to build a new microhub at land 15 meters west of 17 Murrayburn Gardens.
The plans were approved on November 7 by the council’s planning department, with chief planning officer David Givan commenting: “The proposal development is of a high quality, sustainable design, and will contribute to the local areas' sense of place.
“Whilst the proposal will result in a minimal loss of open space, as it meets criteria, including being for a community purpose which will be of benefit to the local community, this is considered to be acceptable.
“The proposal complies with the Development Plan. There are no material considerations which indicate that the proposals should be refused. Therefore, the proposals are acceptable.”
The application site is a 756sqm area of land located immediately to the east of the gable wall of 4 Murrayburn Grove, a four-storey block of flats.
This proposal is part of a wider project to build a full Greenway Community Hub in the area. While funding isn’t yet in place for the full hub, the community group has now had plans to deliver a smaller hub approved in the meantime.
The original plans were amended to make alterations to the proposed planting and include solar panels on the roof.
WHC appointed Calum Duncan Architects LTD to carry out an architectural feasibility study that would investigate a new community hub to the north of the Greenway and adjacent to the existing community garden in Wester Hailes.
This new facility will serve the neighbourhoods of Murrayburn, Hailesland, and Dumbryden, with the detailed use of the facility being guided by the outcomes of the consultation process carried out by Community Enterprise and Calum Duncan Architects.
This new single-storey one-room community space will have the flexibility to accommodate multiple users of varying ages with a focus on the needs of early years and younger age groups.
Highlighting the need for such a space in the local area, Wester Hailes Growing Communities chief executive Greig Robertson said: “The Greenway Microhub will be an incredible resource for the local community, which currently has no place to gather for community activities.
“Though only one room, the microhub will provide a place for community meals and workshops. It will be available for the local community to rent for birthdays and other events. It will be well used."
The proposals received two objections, eight notes of support and one neutral comment on the council’s online planning portal.
Public comments raised the issues of noise and general disturbance from increased activity in the local area, and privacy. Concerns were also raised that there is a sufficient provision of youth services in the local area already, which should be expanded rather than proceeding with the proposal. And fears were raised that it would be difficult to access a local shop during construction of the microhub.
While, those in support said the proposal will be of benefit to the local community.
Local resident Violet Stevenson said: “This is a great opportunity to connect the community, share ideas, activities, food, safety etc. Education for children on how to grow their own food in the community garden and learn about gardening in general.
“This could promote and provide opportunities for other activities around the Greenway Community Garden and the new proposed microhub. The opportunities are endless. I'm totally in support of this project.”
The applicant now has three years to begin work on the new community microhub in Wester Hailes. Prior to the commencement of development, an updated landscaping plan shall be submitted to the planning authority for approval.
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