Safety fencing and signs at 18 Holyrood Park Road, Edinburgh

“Proposal: Proposed placement of post and chain fencing, temporary weighted mesh panels, and interpretation signs.”

“Planning permission is sought for post and chain fencing, temporary weighted mesh panels, and interpretation signs. This includes five main sections of new post and chain fencing with lengths of: 50m; 42m; 28m;15m; and 64m. The positioning of the post and chain fencing between the foot of the crags and the Radical Road path is to be reviewed annually.”

“The application site relates to a section of land within Holyrood Park, located at the base of Salisbury Crags. It includes a section of Radical Road footpath, a recognised public right of way and which forms part of a local path network.”

“The site occupies an elevated position and includes Hutton's Section and Hutton's Rock, which are recognised as significant locations in the development of modern geological science. Access to this area is taken from the Hawse, with existing 2.4m mesh barriers located to the east of Hutton's Section and further east of the South Quarry, which currently restricts access to the footpath and area.”

“Relevant Site History No relevant site history.”

“23/00350/EOPDEV Holyrood Park, Queen's Drive, Holyrood, Edinburgh Alleged unauthorised development -fencing. No Breach - No further action taken. 15/11/2023”

“The proposal complies with the development plan which comprises City Plan 2030 policies Env 1, Env 3, Env 4, Env 15, Env 16, Env 18, Env 19, Env 21, Env 23, Env 37, Inf 10; NPF4 policies 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 14 and 20 and the Council's Non-statutory Edinburgh Design Guidance.”

“The proposal would protect the archaeological significance of the scheduled monument and its setting. It would have an acceptable visual impact on the setting of the historic garden and Special Landscape Area and would preserve the geological interest of the Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI). The development is of an appropriate scale and design and would maintain managed access to the public right of way in the context of safety management.”

“The proposal would enable a partial re-opening of the route that is currently inaccessible to the public with a restriction proposed further west of the site where the rock face projects closer to the footpath. It is acknowledged that these restrictions would impact on continuity of the public right of way; however, this is considered acceptable for a limited time while there is a need for ongoing management of areas beyond the site.”

“In view of the above, the proposal would not result in the loss of the footpath and while temporary impacts on public access are acknowledged, these are considered acceptable in the context of on-going safety management at the site and the temporary nature of the barrier. Therefore, the proposal is considered to align with the objectives of Policy Inf 10 and NPF 4 Policy 20.”

“NAME: Outdoor Access Officer COMMENT: No objection but has raised the following: • Share Scotsways comments that a formal temporary procedure is require through submission of a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) under roads legislation to facilitate any temporary closure of the public right of way.”

“NAME: Scotsway COMMENT: No objection but make the following comments: • Seek further clarity on the permanence of proposed fence, including confirmation of its temporary nature and subject to a defined removal time frame; • No reference to impacts on the public right of way within the submitted details; • Recommend the applicants submit a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) under roads legislation to facilitate any temporary closure of the public right of way.”

“- Impact on climbing access; - Adverse impact on public well-being and enjoyment of landscape; - Loss of cultural and historic value of Radical Road; - Reduced access to geological and natural features.”

“- Impact on access and route closure within the site; - Support for managed and improved access; - Time-limit requirement for temporary fencing; - Consultation with access officer; - Lawful status of existing fencing; - Accuracy/inconsistencies of submitted plans;”

“25/06329/FUL - Report by the Chief Planning Officer To GRANT planning permission subject to the conditions, reasons and informatives as set out in section C of the report by the Chief Planning Officer.”

“The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date on which this permission is granted. If development has not begun at the expiration of this period, the planning permission lapses.”

“The temporary fencing hereby approved shall be removed from the site no later than 24 months from the date of this permission. Any replacement or additional fencing, or any alterations to the design, height or materials of any fencing thereafter, shall require submission and approval of a further planning application.”