'˜They're destroying Leith' Readers react to decision to shut down open air market

The event is held in the yard of the Ukranian Church.

The street food and drinks market in the yard of a Ukrainian Church in Dalmeny Street has been shut down after councillors refused an application to allow it to continue operating.

Leith open air market shut down by council over '˜noise and smells' concerns

Eight councillors voted in agreement with council planners to throw out the proposal on the basis that noise and the smell from cooking food would impact negatively on neighbours.

Council planners recommended the proposal be refused stating that it does not comply with the Local Development Plan. They said: “The proposal would have a materially detrimental effect on the living conditions of nearby residents.

“There are residential properties located 21 metres from the site and a number of representations have raised concerns about noise and disturbance for nearby residents.

“It is an open plot without any physical structures to prevent noise and odour break-out.”

However, many readers did not agree with the overall decision.

Writing on the Edinburgh Evening News facebook page Fraz Jacobs wrote: “Ridiculous to do this, but no doubt they will Not apply similar rules to the application at Steads place and let it be demolished and build a Hotel and 500 rooms for student accommodation, while being detrimental to the people living in Leith and peopled businesses!”

Another wrote: “Killing off small traders and their chances of promoting themselves at such events and killing off community spirit. Moronic.”

Michael Nicholson added: Come on council lets have a bit joy in Edinburgh.”

Elsewhere another reader on a private page wrote: “They’re destroying Leith.”

Another added: “There’s more noise from the constant never ending roadworks in Leith.”

One user wrote: “Can you imagine the noise and disruption that will occur if the New Shops redevelopment on Leith Walk goes ahead!? Do they take that into account? No, too busy closing down things that benefit the community in Leith!”

Another said: “Unbelievable! Isn’t that market one of the reasons you would live in a city?”