Hi everyone,
This is the first update from the Jock’s Lodge Action Group since the well-attended meeting with Tommy on the 16th.
In the past weeks we have been figuring out our approach to focus the energy and ideas of the wider community into a plan to oppose the proposals. Campaigners who were involved in the Save Leith Walk Campaign have kindly shared their time and guidance with us, and we are reaching out to other organisations who might be able to support and bolster the campaign. The headline updates at this point are as follows:
Planning Process/ Submitting Objections
We have heard rumours that the planning submission might be put back a couple of weeks (from October to sometime in November) but this isn’t confirmed – either way we don’t have very much time to get things ready.
The two things that will make this most effective are;
Numbers of objections
The Alumno Group have a track record of meeting public outcry and resistance. They have been successful with getting the go-ahead for similar student developments even where 800+ public objections were made. Every last submission and bit of noise we can create will contribute to this cause! We will prepare templates and support people to respond in the coming weeks.
Grounds of objections
Of course, anyone is free to object on whatever grounds they see as important, but where planning is concerned, some arguments will not be effective. We are looking to set out our key arguments against it which individuals can Copy and Paste into their responses when it goes to planning. Of the 100s of reasons, the ones that we are likely to push are summarised as:
The 188 students will lead to a disproportionate over- concentration of students in the area. There are already 7 major student accommodation residences in very close vicinity.
The loss of a community hub or centre – the area in question is the closest we have to a High St in Willowbrae/ Piershill/ Jock’s Lodge. It is an area used by the Community for meetings, socialising, business etc.
The proposals are completely out of keeping with the area and the surrounding listed and Victorian buildings.
The building height – at 7 stories, the proposed plans will dwarf and overshadow the local area.
Public Meeting
We are holding a public meeting at 7:30om October 17th at Willowbrae Community Centre to provide further updates and get additional views from the wider Community which can support the campaign. Please come along to show your support!
Social Media
We have set up the following social media accounts -please give us a follow to stay up to date and help spread the word. As was the case with the Save Leith Walk Campaign, the more visibility and noise we have, the better.
Instagram: @savejockslodge
Facebook: Save Jocks-Lodge
Twitter: @jocksave
Covering Costs
We have set up a GoFundMe page to raise some funds to cover the costs for materials such as flyers, posters and hiring venues for future meetings. If you are in a position to contribute, we would really appreciate any donations that will help the campaign. The link is here:
The above is just a summary of the key points at this point. Please feel free to contact us with questions, ideas or offers to volunteer your time or skills – the more pieces to the puzzle we have, the better chance we have of being successful. Please share this message and encourage people to join our mailing list by dropping us a line at 35jlag@gmail.com
Thank you
The Jocks Lodge Action Group