Councillors Turn To MSPs Over Portobello Scheme

The controversial Portobello Park high school scheme has reached a new stage in negotiations, as Edinburgh councillors vote to ask MSPs to get behind the project.

The City of Edinburgh Council want to construct a new school to replace a 1960's tower block.

But local community organisation Portobello Park Action Group (PPAG) have cited a law which states the authority have no right to build on common good land.

The group launched a legal challenge and won their appeal in September.

But yesterday councillors voted to pursue the Scottish Government to gain permission under special circumstances.


The 'special circumstances' claim refers to the face that they are entitled to dispose of any such land provided it is sanctioned by the Sheriff Court or the Court of Session.

Edinburgh Council has said it will build a new park where the current high school stands to "make up for the loss of green space".

"The local community would have a say in what this would look like, as well as being given free access to all weather pitches built as part of the new school," a statement from the Council said.

Last week, Cllr Paul Godzik said: "We are committed to delivering these schools and we still believe that the park is the right place to build the new High School. We have weighed up the different options for achieving this and consider that a Private Act has the best prospect of success. We will now pursue this and consult widely with the local community on our proposals.

"Further to this, I am pleased to announce that we plan to build a new park to help address concerns by some of the local community around the loss of green space. I'm sure this news will be welcomed by all Portobello residents."

(IT)