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Item noReport no
Edinburgh Canal Strategy: Draft for consultation
Planning Committee19 May 2011
1 Purpose of report
1.1 To seek the Committee's approval of the draft Edinburgh Canal Strategy forconsultation.
2 Summary
2.1 The Council and British Waterways (Scotland) (BWS) have prepared a draftEdinburgh Canal Strategy (ECS) for consultation purposes. The draft ECSidentifies on and off canal moorings sites, opportunities for complementarycanal-side developments and opportunities to ensure that the recreational
potential of the canal is fully maximised for the benefit of canal user groups andthe wider community.
2.2 The strategy has been prepared following a consultation exercise and it isproposed that a further consultation exercise is undertaken on the consultativedraft over the summer. The finalised strategy will be reported to PlanningCommittee later in the year.
3 Main report
Background
3.1 In early 2010, the Edinburgh Canal Development Group initiated thepreparation of a strategy for that part of Union Canal that lies within the Citysadministrative boundaries. A series of focus group meetings followed with localand community councillors, the canal community user groups and stakeholderbodies such as SEPA and Sustrans, which led to the to preparation of anEdinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Document in September 2010. Thepurpose of the Consultation Document was to discuss opportunities to makethe canal into a recognisable place whilst identifying issues to be taken forwardin the Strategy. The consultation document was approved by the Planning
Committee on 30 September 2010. Following the consultation, the draftEdinburgh Canal Strategy was prepared and is now attached as Appendix 1 tothis report.
1
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Predraft consultation
3.2 The aim of the pre-draft consultation exercise was to explore the relevant canalopportunities and issues with a range of stakeholders prior to the developmentof the draft ECS whilst promoting community involvement in the current andfuture use of the Union Canal. The ECS Consultation Document set out a
series of opportunities for development and proposes a development strategybased on five hubs.
3.3 Between October and December 2010 a number of consultation events wereheld in Ratho (3 November), Wester Hailes (17 November), Polwarth (22November) and Tollcross (24 November) as well as drop in session on the Re-union Canal boat at Lochrin Basin and Harrison Park (20 November). Thesesessions were attended by local communities, local and community councillors,key interest groups, including St Andrews Boat Club, Reunion and Spokes, andstakeholder bodies such as SEPA and Sustrans.
3.4 Approximately 500 letters were distributed to a range of individuals,businesses, community, amenity, equalities and heritage groups,Neighbourhood Partnerships, MSPs, MPs, local councillors and statutoryconsultees, inviting comments on a series of set questions. Hard copies of theconsultation document were made available on request.
3.5 The consultation was advertised on the Councils website and via Twitter aswell as a number of external websites that included:
City Cycling Edinburgh Forum
Spokes Marchmont and Sciences Community Council
Morningside Community Council
The Flower Colonies
Friends of Harrison Park
Guardian Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Reporter
Scottish Canals
3.6 26 responses to the consultation document were received from:
Art in Architecture The Coal Authority
The Cockburn Association
Craiglockhart Community Council
Historic Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland
Murray Estates
Peter Scott Planning Services
Scottish Natural Heritage
Scottish Water
Spokes St Andrew Boat Club
Sustrans
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Tollcross Community Council and,
11 local residents.
3.7 The comments received are summarised in Appendix 2 with the recommendedresponse. A note of the workshops held in Ratho, Wester Hailes, Polwarth andTollcross is also provided in Appendix 3. These responses have formed thebasis of the draft Edinburgh Canal Strategy.
Partners
3.8 BWS has collaborated with the Council to produce the draft ECS. The draftECS has also benefited from an input from a number of key partners includingArchitecture and Design Scotland and Sustrans.
The draft Edinburgh Canal Strategy
3.9 The draft ECS is split into five parts:
Introduction and background;
A current context section which sets out the canals history and heritage,planning and development policies, movement and connectivity and existingcommunity and tourism resources;
A series of proposed opportunities which will make the canal into arecognisable place whilst addressing issues that may impair its potential;
A Hub and Waterway Strategy within which canal moorings, canal-side and
canal-related development will be focused; and
The proposed consultation.
Opportunities
3.10 The proposed opportunities identified within the draft ECS address the wholelength of the canal and cover issues such as access, lighting, canal moorings,public art and renewable energy. The proposed opportunities have beengrouped into four sections:
Access and the canal environment;
Waterway, development, and environment;
Recreation, tourism and heritage;
Infrastructure, drainage and climate change.
3.11 Under each opportunity topic heading a number of projects have been set outfor discussion as part of the consultation. These opportunities include projectssuch as:
A canal user management strategy;
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Towpath capacity management including designation of additional cycleroutes and a commuter and tourist taxi boat service;
Towpath access improvements and a pinch point strategy (see appendix 1to the draft strategy);
Canal development and canal environment principles as well as a numberof proposed canalside development sites;
Interpretation, public art and lighting;
The development of canalside community facilities; and
Surface water, grey water and renewable energy, heating and cooling.
Hubs and Waterway Strategy
3.12 The draft ECS is developed around a series of hubs within which canalmoorings, canal-side and canal-related development can be focused. Through
the development of hubs it should be possible to create a desirable andsustainable waterway corridor, stimulating waterway and waterside use. Eachhub has a proposed function related to its current character and futureproposed use. The aim is to create five successful and sustainable places. TheStrategy has identified five hubs at:
Ratho
Wester Hailes
Meggetland
Harrison Park
Lochrin Basin
3.13 The draft ECS also recognises the canals links with Bathgate and Linlithgowwithin West Lothian and their role in facilitating use of the Union Canal withinEdinburgh.
3.14 In terms of the waterway strategy, the draft ECS has been designed to ensurethat boaters are presented with a suitable waterway infrastructure that enablesand promotes the enjoyment of the full length of the Union Canal into the City.To encourage waterway activity along the Union Canal into Edinburgh it isproposed that a key objective of the draft ECS is to make Lochrin Basin the
obvious destination for waterway traffic. The reason for this is to ensure that thefull length of waterway corridor is animated by waterway traffic, ensuring thatthe waterspace at Lochrin Basin is populated and animated by a healthywaterway community.
Consultation
3.15 It is proposed to undertake a public consultation exercise based on the draftECS. The aim of the consultation exercise is to:
develop further ideas on how to improve the use of the canal as an asset of
the city through the opportunities outlined within the Strategy;
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identify whether consultees agree/disagree with the proposed Hub Strategyand consider the hubs in are the right place, have the right objectives andthe potential to develop as places;
gather views on increasing the use of the water space along the canalthrough increased moorings (of all types including residential);
gather thoughts on the canal-side development proposals identified withinthe draft strategy;
consider whether key problem access points along the canal have beenidentified correctly; and,
consider whether anything is missing from the Strategy or should beremoved.
3.16 Consultation events will be held throughout June and July 2011 and include:
Presentations to the local Community Councils in Ratho (20 June), WesterHailes (tbc), Longstone (8 August), Craiglockhart (31 May), Merchiston(tbc), and Tollcross (8 June);
Display stands at a number of community events including the EdinburghCanal Festival (9 July), and the Meadows festival (4/5 June); the EdinburghBike Breakfast (22 June) and the Central Scotland Green Network forum(14 June); and,
Further community meetings within the five hubs (Lochrin Basin, HarrisonPark, Meggetland, Wester Hailes and Ratho) and with relevant stakeholders(dates to be confirmed) and on a canal boat (if possible).
3.17 A full list of consultation dates and events will be made available online via theCouncils website. It is anticipated that a finalised Edinburgh Canal Strategy,together with the results of the consultation exercise will be reported toPlanning Committee by the end of 2011.
Strategic Environmental Assessment
3.18 A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the draft Edinburgh CanalStrategy is required under the SEA Directive. This is intended to provide for ahigh level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration ofenvironmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans with aview to promoting sustainable development. An Environmental Scoping Reporthas been prepared. The interim Environmental Report (background paper) willbe the subject of consultation alongside the draft Strategy and will be submittedto the Consultation Authorities (Historic Scotland, SNH and SEPA). Theoutcomes of this will be reported back with the final Strategy.
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4 Financial Implications
4.1 The costs of preparing and consulting on the draft ECS will be contained withinthe revenue budget for 2011-12. There are no other financial implications forthe Council arising from this report.
5 Equalities Impact
5.1 There is no relationship between the matters described in this report and thepublic sector general equality duty.
5.2 There is no direct equalities impact arising from this report.
6 Environmental Impact
6.1 The interim Environmental Report will be made available for commentalongside the draft ECS. The outcomes of this exercise will inform thepreparation of the final strategy. There are no adverse environmental impactsanticipated.
7 Conclusions
7.1 The Council and BWS have prepared a draft Edinburgh Canal Strategy forconsultation purposes to guide the future leisure and recreational development
of the Union Canal.
7.2 Following a series of pre-draft consultation exercises, a draft Edinburgh CanalStrategy is being made available for wider public consultation. The draftstrategy promotes a number of opportunities and canal hubs.
8 Recommendations
8.1 It is recommended that the Planning Committee:
a) Approves the draft Edinburgh Canal Strategy for consultation purposes;
b) Authorises officials to make any non-substantive amendments to thedocument prior to consultation; and
c) Refers this report to Economic Development Committee for information.
Dave AndersonDirector of City Development
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Appendices Appendix 1: Draft Edinburgh Canal StrategyAppendix 2: Pre-draft Consultation comments and responsesAppendix 3: Pre-draft Consultation Workshops
Contact/tel/Email Kate Hopper (0131) 529 6232 [email protected] Wood (0131) 529 3904 [email protected]
Wards affected 2, 7, 9
Single OutcomeAgreement
Supports National Outcome 1:We live in a Scotland that is the most attractiveplace for doing business in Europe.
Supports Edinburgh Outcomes: Edinburgh is a thriving, growing city with ahigh quality of life and environment and a prosperous economy.
Supports Edinburgh Outcome: Edinburgh is an internationally competitivebusiness location that attracts talent and investment to its growingknowledge-based economy.
Supports Edinburgh Outcome: Edinburgh is the UKstop performing touristdestination outside of London.
Supports National Outcome I0: We live in well-designed, sustainable placeswhere we are able to access the amenities and services we need.
Supports National Outcome 12: We value and enjoy our built and naturalenvironment and protect it and enhance it for future generations
Supports Edinburgh Outcome: Edinburgh's natural and built environment issupported and enhanced.
BackgroundPapers
1 Report to Planning Committee 'The Edinburgh Canal DevelopmentStrategy' 28 February 2008
2 Report to Planning Committee 'The Edinburgh Canal DevelopmentStrategy Update on Progress' 3 December 2009
3 Report to Planning Committee Edinburgh Canal Strategy ConsultationDocument 30 September 2010
4 Interim Environmental Report 19 May 2011
5 Draft Edinburgh Canal Strategy Appendix 1 Access Improvements
KH/FK/PLANCOM/Edinburgh Canal Strategy10 May 2011
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]8/6/2019 CEC Canal Strategy Consultation
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The Edinburgh Canal StrategyCONSULTATION DRAFT
MAY 2011
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City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 3
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy
Since its re-birth as part of the Millennium Link Project the Union Canal has come a long way from a derelict
backwater to become one of Edinburghs most important heritage, recreational and community assets.
The Union Canal is now enjoyed on a daily basis by people from across
the city and beyond for a variety of uses such as boating, rowing, walking,
cycling and shing.
The Union Canal is also a focus for new development, particularly at
Fountainbridge, for new canal boat moorings and marinas and for canal-
focused community activities. However, as the canal is developed, it must
also be protected and its potential maximised for the for the benet of
the wider community and environment.
The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) and British Waterways Scotland
(BWS) have prepared this draft strategy for the Union Canal within the
Edinburgh area to guide its development.
The Strategy now sets out opportunities for discussion with the wider
community through a period of public consultation; at the end of which
CEC and BWS hope to promote a vision of the place we wish the Union
Canal to be.
The Union Canal is one o Edinburghs hidden gems.
We hope this Strategy will allow more o our citizens
to appreciate and beneft rom its beauty as well as the
economic development potential it provides.
Councillor Tim McKay, Edinburgh Canal Champion
we are delighted to be part o the emerging Edinburgh
Canal Strategy led by the City o Edinburgh Council. We
look orward to working in partnership with the Council
and other city stakeholders to ensure that this exciting
initiative generates the maximum benefit or canalside
communities and the capital as a whole
Steve Dunlop, Direcor, British Waterways (Scotland)
Contents
Section1 - introduction
Background 4
The Strategy 5
Section2 currentcontext
Scotlands Canals and The Union Canal In Edinburgh 9
History and Heritage 10
Planning and Development 11
Movement and Connectivity 13
Community and Tourism 14
Section3 o pportunitieS
Access / Canal Environment 16
Waterway / Development / Environment 17
Recreation / Tourism 18
Infrastructure / drainage / climate change 19
Section4 the Strategy
Hubs and Waterway Strategy 22
Ratho 24
Wester Hailes 26
Meggetland 28
Harrison Park 30
Lochrin Basin 32
Section5 conSultation
Consultation Information 35
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The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation
4 May 2011 City of Edinburgh Council City Development
Background
The development of a strategy for the Union Canal within Edinburgh was initiated by
the Edinburgh Canal Development Group in 2010. The development of a strategy
for the Union Canal within Edinburgh provides the chance to discuss opportunities
to make the canal into a more recognisable place whilst addressing issues that may
impair its potential.
Following a number of focus groups with Local Councillors, Community Councils, canal community and user
groups as well as stakeholder bodies such as SEPA and Sustrans, The Council and British Waterways Scotland
produced an Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Document in September 2010. The Consultation
Document set out a proposed Hub Strategy and a series of opportunities for development.
Between October and December 2010 a number of consultation events were held to discuss the questions
set out within the Consultation Document. These events were held in Ratho, Wester Hailes, Polwarth and
Tollcross as well as drop in session on the Re-union Canal boat at Lochrin Basin and Harrison Park. Further
workshops were held with key interest groups. Responses to the consultation document are available as a
separate report.
The Council and British Waterways Scotland have now prepared this Draft Edinburgh Canal Strategy
for the Union Canal. A public consultation will now take place in June and July to consider the strategy and
proposals set out within the Strategy which aim to make the Union Canal into a successful and recognisable
place.
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City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 5
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
LOCHRIN
LOCHRINBASIN
BASIN
PARK
PARK
HARRI
SON
HARRI
SON
MEG GETL
A
N
D
MEG GETL
A
N
D
WESTERH
AILES
WESTERH
AILES
RATHO
RATHO
CIT
YO
FED
INBURG
HCOUNCIL
CIT
YO
FED
INBURG
HCOUNCILW
EST
LOTH
IAN
COUNCIL
WES
TLO
THIA
NCO
UNCIL
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy is developed around a series of opportunites and canal hubs which will make the Union Canal
a recognisable place whilst addressing issues that may impair its potential. The Strategy proposes ve hub within which canal
moorings, canalside and canal related development can be focused.
It is recognised that there is an opportunity at
Ratho to enhance the recreational potential of the
Canal, building on the Edinburgh Canal Centre, links
with the Ratho Adventure centre and its position asan overnight mooring point between Linlithgow and
Edinburgh.
Within Wester Hailes the key aim is to stimulate
a range of canal-side, recreational, business, and
community uses whilst marking the arrival of canal
users into Edinburgh.
Meggetland is home to a number of boathouses
and it is envisaged that this area could become a
centre of excellence for watersports on the canal for
both rowing and paddlesports.
The Edinburgh Canal Quarter identies the
Edinburgh end of the Union canal and stretches
fromHarrison Parkin the west to Edinburgh
Quay. This includes the range of existing and new
uses and developments coming forward, linked
by new water space, and high quality public
realm, in a linear route to the City Centre.
The Strategy
Lochrin Basin needs to generate adequate
waterway trac to animate the waterspace. High
quality visitor moorings should be complimented
by commercial and residential moorings to create
a vibrant sustainable waterway neighbourhood
throughout the year.
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www.photosofedinburgh.co.uk
hrin Basin Grant Ritchie
w.photosofedinburgh.co.uk
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City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 7
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
Current Context
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2
3
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The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation
0 May 2011 City of Edinburgh Council City Development
The Union Canal, the last of Scotlands major canals, was a commercial venture begun in 1818 and completed in
1822. It was built principally as a means of importing coal and lime into Edinburgh, and ran from Port Hopetoun in
Edinburgh to join the Forth & Clyde Canal at Camelon, Stirlingshire.
Designed by the engineer Hugh
Baird, the 31.5 mile Union Canal
was built in only 4 years between
1818 and 1822 at a cost of
461,760 twice its initial estimate.
The Canal was built using picks,
shovels and wheelbarrows by
labourers known as navigators
navvies. Many immigrants came
from Ireland to work on the canal
including notably William Burke
and William Hare.
The canal was ocially opened in May 1822, the rst boat to make the
complete journey by water bringing agstones from Denny to Port
Hopetoun. However, within 20 years of completion most of its passenger
trac was lost to the railways, and the Edinburgh basins closed in 1922.
The rest of the canal remained navigational until 1965 when it was nally
closed by an Act of Parliament.
In 2002, Britains largest canal restoration project, The Millennium Link,
restored navigation, and with an extension to the Union Canal and a link
with the Forth & Clyde Canal through the Falkirk Wheel, boats were once
more able to travel between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The Union Canal is a signicant industrial heritage asset not just for the
city, but nationally and internationally and is recognised as such by itsscheduled ancient monument status.
The Union Canal was built as a contour canal - it follows a 73m contour
throughout its length. The canal has no locks; instead it travels over three
aqueducts, including the second largest aqueduct in Britain - the Avon
Aqueduct by Linlithgow, Slateford Aqueduct that takes the canal over
the Water of Leith in Edinburgh and the Almond Aqueduct near Ratho.
The canal also passes through the oldest and longest canal tunnel in
Scotland - the 631m Falkirk Tunnel. At the Edinburgh end, the Leamington
lift bridge can be found at Fountainbridge. This hydraulic bridge was built
in 1906 by Armstrong of Newcastle and was refurbished and re-opened
as part of the Millennium Link Project in 2002.
por t hopetoun
Port Hopetoun formed the eastern terminus of the canal at Lothian
Road. At the height of the canal trade in the mid-19th century Port
Hopetoun was a busy port, employing a large workforce of dockers to
unload the barges that brought coal, timber, stone, slate, brick, sand and
lime into Edinburgh from the west. It was also the departure point for
the fast passenger boats that ran day and night between Edinburgh and
Glasgow, and the cattle boats that followed the same route.
However, as the canal trade declined the area around the port gradually
deteriorated, and by the early 20th century the port was described as
one of the most hideous features of Edinburgh. The basin closed in
1922, and a new terminus, Lochrin Basin, established on the south side
of Fountainbridge.
Port Hopetoun, Union Canal, Edinburgh,. Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland; Licensor www.scran.ac.uk
History and Heritage
Port Hopetoun from Lothian Road/Fountainbridge during inll of basin Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland; Licensor www.scran.ac.uk
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
1 Union Canal2 Craigpark Quarry
3 Baberton Mains
4 Colinton Castle
Aqueduct
Lift Bridge
Aqueduct
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City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 11
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
Planning and Development
the MillenniuM lin k project
Plans for reconnecting the Union Canal with the Forth and Clyde Canal
The Millennium Link project was launched by British Waterways in 1994,
with funding secured in 1997.
The 84.5 million pound project started in March 1999 and included a
number of signicant engineering projects including on the Union Canal
a new section of canal at Wester Hailes, the diversion of the canal by the
M8 motorway and a new bridge, the reopening of the Leamington Lift
Bridge and the joining together of the two canals by the Falkirk Wheel.
The Union Canal was ocially reopened in 2001, with the Millennium
Link completed with the opening of the Falkirk Wheel by HRH The Queen
and The Duke of Edinburgh in May 2002 marking the completion of the
project.
edinburgh Quay
Edinburgh Quay was the rst signicant commercial
development to take advantage of the reopening
canal, built on a largely derelict land at the canals
Edinburgh terminus at Lochrin Basin. As part of the
development more than 5500sqm of oce space has
been created in the last ve years. There has also been
a signicant level of residential and student housing
development around the canal at Leamington Wharf
and Fountain North as part of the Fountainbridge
redevelopment.
There is still a signicant amount of derelict land at
Fountainbridge. The remainder of the Fountainbridge
site is currently under consideration as part of a
planning application
thecanalwaterway
Traditionally canals were navigated by canal boats or
narrow boats designed to carry goods on the narrow
canals. Larger wider boats such as barges were also
used. Today, many of these boats can still be seen
moored at Lochrin Basin or along the canal banks at
Harrison Park and Ratho.
There are many types of moorings available on
the Union Canal, including long term moorings
(otherwise known as home moorings) used for the
general berthing of a boat, visitor moorings for those
taking a holiday on the canal, commercial moorings
for restaurants and oces, and residential moorings
for people who wish to live permanently on a boat.
FountainbridgedevelopMentbrieF
The Fountainbridge Development Brief was approved by The City of
Edinburgh Council in 2004 and amended in 2005. The Brief set out the
planning context for the Edinburgh end of the Union Canal following the
closure of Fountain Brewery by Scottish and Newcastle.
The purpose of the brief was to establish a comprehensive townscape
and infrastructure framework for the Fountainbridge area. The brief sets
outs the main planning and design principles on which development in
the area will be based, and seeks to maximise the benets of regeneration
for local communities and the City as a whole. The development brief
covers 32.5 hectares and a wide range of uses.
planning policy
The Edinburgh City Local Plan 2010 recognises that the restored canal
network is a nationally signicant asset with considerable potential for
recreational use and canal related development. However, proposals
have to take account of its interest as a scheduled ancient monument
and its importance for wildlife.
The Plan recognises that there is potential for development within the
urban area, and include most importantly sites around the terminal
basin at Fountainbridge, indentifed by the Plan as one of its Central Area
proposals (CA 3) and covered by the Fountainbridge Development Brief.
Other urban area locations with special potential are Wester Hailes and
Harrison Park, but recognises that any feasible proposal will need to be
the subject of consultation with local communities.
The Plan highlights that development adjoining the canal should focus
on the canal, by providing active frontages and a diversity of uses and
by enhancing access for pedestrians and cyclists to the canal. Attention
should also be paid to its nature conservation value.
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The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation
2 May 2011 City of Edinburgh Council City Development
Environment and Biodiversity
The Union Canal is one of Edinburghs most important wildlife corridors. Contained within a narrow strip
of waterway and towing path one can nd an astonishing range of dierent habitats, from slow owing
freshwater with its adjacent reed fringe to grassland, hedgerow and woodland. Since closure the canal has
developed a diverse aquatic and emergent fringe ora.
The canal stretches through both rural and urban areas, linking adjacent
woodlands, species rich grasslands and other watercourses, and allowing
relatively easy movement through often otherwise hostile and more intensively
managed surrounding land. For these reasons the canal is identied as a Local
Nature Conservation Site (LNCS). All of the Union Canal receives protection
from development in relevant local plans.
edinburgh local biodiverSity action pla n (elbap)
2010-2015
The Union Canal is included in the Freshwater and Wetland section of the
Edinburgh Local Biodiversity Action Plan (EBLAP) 2010-2015. British Waterways
is a partner in this plan. The canal is identied for its important function in the
city, providing semi-natural habitat and commuting corridors for wildlife, as well
as recreation and amenity benets. The plan stressed that it is important that
habitat and water quality is maintained and enhanced.
The overall aims of the ELBAP Freshwater and Wetland plan are
1. To maintain and enhance the biological diversity of Edinburghs rivers, canals,
lochs, ponds and other freshwater habitat.
2. To help deliver the requirements of the Water Framework Directive by
helping to achieve good ecological status of Edinburghs wetland habitats.
The EBLAP identies that the Edinburgh Canal Strategy should include objectives
for biodiversity enhancement.
habitatS andSpecieS
The Union canal environment includes a wide range of associated fauna
including ten dierent sh species, dragonies, damselies and other
invertebrates, wetland birds, bats, badgers, seed eating birds, bees, otters
and water voles.
In terms of habitats, these include the diverse waters edge and towpath
grasslands. The boundary habitats of hedges and stone walls oer
valuable habitats for mosses and lichens as well as small mammals such
as weasels. The canal corridor is enclosed by these boundary features,
which together with the canals bridges, aqueducts and buildings, is also
important habitat for bats.
Environment and Biodiversity
Union CanalGreen Corridor
Green Belt
Public Parks
Urban Woodland
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City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 13
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
Movement and Connectivity
Whilst the Union Canal towpath was once used by horses, attached to canal boats to pull them along the water,
it is now a popular walking and cycling route. Around seven million people use the canals towpath annually,
ranging from running to walking the dog.
cycling andwalking
The towpath connects Edinburgh to Kirkintilloch and the Bowling Basin
on the west coast of Scotland via the Forth and Clyde canal to Edinburgh.
The towpath forms part of the 106km cycle route NCN 754 and Forth to
Firth pathway. The Union Canal also forms part of the 138km Forth to
Clyde cycle route (Sustrans route NCN 75).
The towpath is also popular for local commuting, either via cycle or foot
as it provides a direct trac-free route into the city centre and links with
the Water of Leith and The Roseburn Path.
The Union Canal can also be reached by train from Haymarket, Slateford,
Kingsknowe, Wester Hailes and Edinburgh Park Stations.
boatingonthe union canal
By the 1930s, leisure boating was a popular pastime, on the canal, with
a boating station established at Slateford, and closer to the city centre
at Johnstons Boat-houses at Port Hopetoun, then the eastern terminal
basin of the canal.
The oldest rowing club on the canal, St Andrews Boat Club at Meggetland,
dates from 1846. Regattas between rival university clubs were popular
throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and several Edinburgh schools also
established boat clubs on the canal.
Today, the St Andrews Rowing Club, George Watsons Rowing Club,
Heriots Rowing Club and Edinburgh University Rowing Clubs as well as
the Forth Canoe Club are all based on the Union Canal at Meggetland
and by Harrison Park.
Johnstons Boat-houses,Lochrin Basin.Royal Commission on the Ancient andHistorical Monuments of Scotland; Licensorwww.scran.ac.uk.
Movement and Connectivity
Union Canal
Walking /Cycle route
Rail line and stations
Bus Routes
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The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation
4 May 2011 City of Edinburgh Council City Development
Community and Tourism
the edinburgh canal FeStival
The annual Edinburgh Canal Festival, held at
Edinburgh Quay in June, oers an opportunity
for people of all ages to experience at rst hand
the appeal of the Union Canal. Organised by Re-
union and sponsored by The City of Edinburgh
Council and British Waterways the festival hosts
the Edinburgh Raft Race, free boat and canoe
trips, a wee boat otilla, bands, an canal art
exhibition, stalls and performers.
Lochrin basin at Edinburgh Quay has also been an Edinburgh festival
venue, including hosting parties for the 2003 and 2007 Edinburgh Film
Festival.
coMMunity
The Union Canal in Edinburgh is promoted by 3 third sector organisations,
Edinburgh Canal Society, based at Harrison Park, Re-Union Canal Boats,
who operate from Edinburgh Quay and the Seagull Trust who have a
base at Ratho.
edinburgh canal Society
Edinburgh Canal Society was set up in 1986, to join the Linlithgow
and Forth and Clyde Societies work in promoting the canals survival
and regeneration. The Society was one of the ocial Millennium Link
partners involved in the reopening of the Union Canal in 2001 and was
involved in the rst Edinburgh Canal Festival in 2009.
Edinburgh Canal Society are based at the iconic Ashley Terrace Boathouse
by Harrison Park. The Society rents both rowing boats for up to six people
every Sunday, as well as trips on a classic motor Kelvin Launch between
Edinburgh Quay and Harrison Park. The boathouse was moved to in
its present location by Ashley Terrace Bridge in 1987 and is due to be
refurbished.
re-union
Re-Union Canal Boats is a social enterprise operating a widebeam canal
boat from Edinburgh Quay. Re-Union work with volunteers from all
walks of life and oer crew training through the NCBA and the RYA which
allows their volunteers to operate a 35 passenger carrying boat to cruise
the Union Canal. The boat oers a unique, fully accessible, venue and is
available for community, corporate and private hire.
Re-Union also work with communities along the Union Canal and
manage canoe building programmes, supported the development of
Bridge 8 canoe club, host a oating youth club, planted an orchard and
is working on the Calders Community Garden development.
Re-Union also co-ordinate canal based events and carry out regular
community consultations. All of these activities are designed to
encourage positive engagement with the community resource that is
the Union Canal.
Ashley Terrace Boathouse Grant Ritchie
dinburgh Quay
Seagull truStcruiSeS
The Seagull Trust was formed in 1978 to provide free canal cruising for
disabled people and to help revitalise the decaying Scottish Lowland
Waterways.
In 1997 Seagull Trust Cruises was formed as a Company Limited by
Guarantee to simplify some of the operationa l functions of the Trust. At
the end of October 2007 the Seagull Trust was disbanded leaving the
Company to manage the operation of the cruising programme. Initially
cruises ran from Ratho on the Union Canal but there are now a total
of four branches located in Scotland on the Union, Forth & Clyde and
Caledonian Canals.
The Seagull trust currently operate two boats from their base by The
Bridge Inn at Ratho - the Mackay Seagull and the St John Crusader II
which both carry a maximum of 12 people.
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City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 15
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
OpportunitiesT
he development of a strategy for the Union Canal within Edinburgh
provides the chance to discuss opportunities to make the canal
into a recognisable place whilst addressing issues that may impair its
potential. These opportunities are available across the whole length
of the canal and cover issues such as access, lighting, canal mooring
development, public art and renewable energy.
The opportunities have been group into four sections:
Access / Canal Environment
Waterway / Development / Environment
Recreation / Tourism
Infrastructure / drainage / climate change
Under each topic heading a number of key opportunities and projects have been set out
for discussion as part of the consultation.
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City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 17
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
Waterway / Development / Environment
There is a challenge in promoting canal side developments whilst protecting the existing character of the proposed
hubs including the village of Ratho, and the historic canal structure and environment and biodiversity.
projectS
1. developMentoF canal developMent principleS
Canal side and waterway developments should:
Respect the setting of the canal as a scheduled ancient monument
Accept that the canal and the towpath are an integral part of the public realm
of new waterside development in terms of both design and management
Be orientated so that of buildings optimise views of the water, generate
natural surveillance of water space, and encourage and improve access to,
along and from the water.
Treat the canal as a leisure and commercial resource in its own right not just
a setting or backdrop for development
Be designed to include for water-based development, use and enhancement.
Maintain or provide public access to the canal edge and towpath and
enhance access for pedestrians, cyclists, canoeists, rowers and boaters.
Encourage the creation of canal side communities with a range of
complementary uses and space for activity
Strike a balance between the range of mooring types and between mobile and
static commercial boats.
Include designs which enhance biodiversity value e.g. green roofs, sustainable
urban drainage systems, vegetated areas which link to the canal.
2. developMentoF canal environMent principleS
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy proposes to:
Support the protection, conservation and enhancement of the Union Canal and
the character, feature and quality of its biodiversity including its waterway habitats
and protected species, ora and fauna.
Consider the collection of Integrated habitat network information to inform habitat
connectivity enhancements to contribute to the wider Central Scotland Green
Network
Continue British Waterways annual wildlife survey.
Develop volunteer involvement in habitat management
Eradicate of invasive plant species including Japanese knotweed and Himalayan
Balsam and management of Dutch elm diseased trees
It is important that the Canal Strategy promotes the proper integration
between canal-side development and the canal corridor by establishing
appropriate design principles both for new development on the canal
banks and on the water.
The canal corridor also provides a very important landscape feature
both from the natural heritage and historic environment perspective.
The approach to development and management of the canal thereforehas to strike a balance between the care of historic built environment
features with living skin of wildlife habitats and species.
key opportunitieS
Oering opportunities for large and small scale development
ranging from new businesses and oces and shops to small scale
community housing and creating job opportunities at:
Freelands Road, Ratho,
Wester Hailes town centre,
Fountainbridge
Creating new waterspace and moorings, in order to establish a
strong waterway community,
Improving and developing appropriate canal-side facilities for
boaters and non boaters including toilets, seating, signage, and
lighting along the canal and in particular at:
Wester Hailes - canal festival area
Meggetlands watersports centre
Fountainbridge and Yeoman Place access
Harrison Park
Securing the future maintenance of the canal and canalside
environment by securing support for the canal corridor from
canalside developments.
10
98
6
75
4
32
1
Development Proposals Map
1 Freelands Road Site
2 Wester Hailes Canal Festival Area
3 Wester Hailes Town Centre
4 Meggetland Watersports Centre
5 Harrison Park moorings & canal side improvements
6 Yeoman Place access
7 Fountainbridge bridges
8 Fountainbridge development
9 Arnold Clark site
10 Bingo Hall
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Infrastructure / Drainage / Climate Change
The Union Canal is not just a leisure and environmental resource but a source of renewable energy and forms part
of the land drainage system. Therefore, any new development or redevelopment of existing property on or close
to the canal should consider the sustainable benets the canal has to oer.
key opportunitieS
Exploring the canal as a water resource including improving water
quality, managing land drainage and avoiding, reducing and
managing ood risk
Considering how the canal can contribute to supporting climate
change, carbon reduction and Environmental Sustainability
Promoting the innovative use of the canal towpath as a utility and
telecommunications route
projectS
1. SurFace water
With a great demand on Scotlands sewerage system, any process that
results in surface water being treated in a sustainable way is a real
advantage. The canal is well placed in Edinburgh to take surface water
from existing and new developments. As such, the canal should be
considered as a cost eective solution for the receiver of all surface water
generated from new developments.
2. renewableenergy, heatingand cooling
The canal is a renewable energy resource, for example, generating
onshore hydro electric power, using canal water for heating and cooling
buildings and the use of the water way for urban cooling
Canal water can be used for heating and cooling for both commercial
and residential buildings. This heat exchange technology is being used
throughout the UK and extensively in Northern Europe. Buildings that
use the canal for cooling/heating can potentially recoup their initial
outlay within four years through electricity savings, and then go on to
enjoy cheaper utility bills, as well as substantially reducing their carbon
footprint.
Any development that occurs within a 250m proximity of the canal
should consider the use of this technology as a long term sustainable
solution.
3. grey water
Commercial users as well as social landlords should consider the
use of the canal for the provision of grey water. Many buildings use
considerable amounts of water which does not have to be cleaned to
the standard provided by Scottish Water. Rather than using drinking
water for industrial processes or even in the toilets, the canal can be used
for grey water in a sustainable way.
City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 19
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
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City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 21
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
The Strategy
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LINLIT
HGOW
LINLIT
HGOW
BR
OXBUR
N
BR
OXBUR
N
CIT
YO
FED
INBURGHCO
UNCIL
CIT
YO
FED
INBURGHCO
UNCILW
EST
LOTH
IAN
COUNCIL
WES
TLO
THIA
NCO
UNCIL
20MI20MI
12M
ILES
/4HOURSC
RUIS
ING
12M
ILES
/4HOURSC
RUIS
ING
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation
2 May 2011 City of Edinburgh Council City Development
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy is developed
around a series of hubs within which canal
moorings, canal side and canal related
development can be focused.
The Strategy has considered the role and
function of these hubs in the context of
cruising times, destinations, available services
and facilities.
Through the development of these hubs it
should be possible to create a desirable and
sustainable waterway corridor, simulating
waterway and waterside use.
The Strategy has identied ve hubs at Ratho,
Wester Hailes, Meggetland, Harrison Park
and Lochrin Basin. Each hub has a proposed
function related to its current character and
proposed future use.
The Strategy also links with Bathgate and
Linlithgow and recognises their role within
West Lothian and their role in facilitating use
of the Union Canal within Edinburgh.
The Strategy is also designed to ensure that
boaters are presented with a waterway that
enables and promotes the enjoyment of the
full use of the canal into the city.
To encourage waterway activity along the
canal it is proposed that a key objective of
the Strategy is to make the Edinburgh Canal
Quarter (Harrison Park to Lochrin Basin) the
obvious destination for waterway trac.
The reason for this is to ensure that the full
length of the canal is animated by boat trac,
including Lochrin basin, ensuring a healthy
canal community.
HUBS AND WATERWAY STRATEGY
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LOCHRIN
LOCHRINBASIN
BA
SIN
PARK
PARK
HARRI
SON
HARRI
SON
MEG GE
TLA
N
D
MEG GE
TLA
N
D
WESTERH
AILES
WESTERH
AILES
RATHO
RATHO
7M
ILES
/ 2
HOU
RSCR
UISING
7M
ILES
/ 2
HOU
RSCR
UISING
/6HOURSCRUISING
/6HOURSCRUISING
7M
ILES
/ 2
HOU
RSCR
UISING
7M
ILES
/ 2
HOU
RSCR
UISING
City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 23
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
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The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation
4 May 2011 City of Edinburgh Council City Development
Ratho
Ratho is reasonably established as an attractive
waterway destination. The existing waterside
pub will be supplemented by proposed canal side
residential moorings generating a strong waterway
focus.
In order to sustain the full waterway corridor the
canal side at Ratho should not be further developed
as a major overnight visitor destination to avoid
this distracting from Lochrin basin as the perceived
destination and end to terminus to navigation in
Edinburgh. Ratho should be a place to pause and
enjoy en route to the City.
The Bridge Inn at Ratho Grant Ritchie - www.photosofedinburgh.co.uk
the waterway village
It is recognised that there is an opportunity at Ratho to enhance the recreational potential of the Canal, building on the Edinburgh
Canal Centre, links with the Ratho Adventure centre and its position as an overnight mooring point between Linlithgow and
Edinburgh.
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City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 25
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
projectS
There are a number of opportunities for improving
the canal at Ratho including:
Access to canal particularly along the western
edge of the village,
Improvements to the canal towpath,
New boat moorings and the proposed marina
at Freelands Road and a mix of residential and
commercial boats within new marina.
Improving the condition of existing moorings
and commercial oer on the canal
Improvement of canal side and services around
residential moorings;
Improving education, awareness, village
information, and links with existing community
uses, including the need for a public square
along the canal and,
Improving links east to city and west to the
Ratho Adventure Centre as well as the creation
of a pedestrian / cycle loops along the canal.
The strategy should protect against the
overdevelopment/urbanisation of the canal side
and promote co-ordination between developers,
British Waterways and the community to upgrade
and maintain quality of the canal.
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The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation
6 May 2011 City of Edinburgh Council City Development
ServiceandviSitorle dMixeduSeMooringS .
Wester Hailes marks the entrance of the canal to the urban area of Edinburgh. It is recognised that substantial pro-active work
is required over time if the original regeneration theme of the canal is to hold good for Wester Hailes. The City of Edinburgh
Council and British Waterways (Scotland) are major landowners and shareholders within Wester Hailes and this will enable canal
focused regeneration to be addressed in a holistic manner.
The key aim of the Strategy at Wester Hailes is
to stimulate a range of canal-side, recreational,
business, and community uses whilst marking the
arrival of canal users into Edinburgh. The proximity to
the shopping centre and supermarket make Wester
Hailes a potentially useful stopping point for boaters
to stock up on provisions. This servicing function
could be supplemented by additional facilities such
as waterpoints, refuse stores and pump outs; and
suitable sites for boat repairs/boat building.
The opportunity for canal side community
development such as community water sports clubs,
sea scouts etc also exists in Wester Hailes. Wester
Hailes also has good links to the city centre from
Kingsknowe Railway Station and public transport
links at Hailesland Road and Murrayburn Road
Wester Hailes
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The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation
8 May 2011 City of Edinburgh Council City Development
Meggetland
waterSportShub
Meggetland is home to a number of boathouses and it is envisaged that this area could become a centre of excellence for
watersports on the canal for both rowing and paddlesports. However, there is currently a lack of linkages between the canal
and Meggetland and the large car park creates a sterile environment.
For the Meggetland section of the Canal to thrive
as a recreational hub, a number of issues must be
addressed. Lack of quality facilities and safe access
to the canal is a key issue for users within this area.
With the ever increasing usage of the towpath by
pedestrians and cyclists, getting boat equipment
to the water can, at times, be dangerous. Improved
facilities and canal access is needed to address this
conict.
Weed build up within the canal often leads to a
narrowing of the waterspace, therefore, additional
maintenance of this stretch of canal would improve
safety and benet the activities of all the watersport
clubs.
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City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 29
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
projectS
There are a number of opportunities for improving
the canal at Meggetland including:
The creation of passing areas for canal boats.
The linking of the sports centre with the canal by
focusing facilities and rowing clubs
The possible creation of slalom for canoes.
The reconguration of the car park and use of
landscaping to create auditorium/urban park.
Installation of street furniture.
Removal/maintenance of the canal banks and
hedging.
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The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation
0 May 2011 City of Edinburgh Council City Development
Harrison Park
Harrison Park is a relaxed green waterside space for people.
Within the park there is an opportunity to improve the
linkages between the park and the canal with improved
hard and soft landscaping and a cafe, toilets and picnic
facilities.
Harrison Park Grant Ritchiewww.photosofedinburgh.co.uk
theciviliSedwaterwaypark
The Edinburgh Canal Quarter identies the Edinburgh end of the Union canal and stretches from Harrison Park in the west to
Edinburgh Quay. This includes the range of existing and new uses and developments coming forward, linked by new water space,
and high quality public realm, in a linear route to the City Centre.
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City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 31
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
To optimise the potential of Harrison Park as part
of the Edinburgh Canal Quarter it is improtant to
establish a waterway neighbourhood with both
visitor and residential moorings. In additions to
these moorings, there are opportunities for seasonal
commercial moorings close to Ashley terrace
projectS
There are a number of opportunities for improving
the canalat Harrison Park including:
Improving the integration of canal with the
park through the use of formal landscaping and
removal of physical barriers;
Creation of new residential and visitor moorings;
Introduction of cafs/commercial enterprises on
canal or re-use of the pavilion at Ogilvie Terrace;
Improvement in the quality of access to the tow
path from bridges at Ogilvie Terrace and Harrison
Road.
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City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 33
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
Lochrin Basin needs to generate adequate waterway
trac to animate the waterspace. High quality visitor
moorings should be complimented by commercial
and residential moorings to create a vibrant
sustainable waterway neighbourhood throughout
the year.
projectS
There are a number of opportunities for improving
the canal at Lochrin Basin ncluding:
The creation of a waterway destination at the
terminus of the Union Canal;
The creation of a visual/ physical link between
Lochrin Place and the canal;
Improving the balance of uses both on and o
water, to increase and sustain appropriate activity;
The creation of residential moorings;
New links between urban area and tow path
particularly at Dorset Place, New Freer Street and
Walker Bridge
Treatment of wall to rear of tenements on Watson
Crescent/ or reuse of wall through art installations.
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The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation
4 May 2011 City of Edinburgh Council City Development
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Your views on the future vision for the Union Canal are very
important. The Council and British Waterways Scotland are
particularly keen to find out:
Whether you agree/disagree with the proposed Hub Strategy. Are
the hubs in the right place, do they have the right objectives?
If you any ideas on how to improve the use of the canal as an asset
of the city?
What are your views on increasing the use of the water space
along the canal through increased moorings (of all types including
residential) and recreational activities?
What are your thoughts on the canal side development proposals
identified within the draft strategy?
Do you think we have identified the key problem access points
along the canal?
Do you think we have missed anything? Or, as the case may be,
included something we shouldnt have?
City of Edinburgh Council City Development May 2011 35
The Edinburgh Canal Strategy Consultation Draft
CONSULTATION
In order to consider the opportunities and the proposed hub strategy a period of public consultation is proposed.
Consultation events will be held throughout June and July 2011. Events will be held:
within the ve hubs (Lochrin Basin, Harrison Park, Meggetland, Wester Hailes and Ratho);
with the community councils in R atho, Wester Hailes, Longstone, Craiglockhart, Merchiston, and Tollcross;
at a number of Community Events including the Edinburgh Canal Festival, and the Meadows festival; and,
at a number of other events such as the Edinburgh Bike Breakfast and the Central Scotland Green Network forum.
Responses to this document should be returned to the Council by Monday 1st August 2011.
If you would like to be involved in this consultation exercise the dates and locations of the consultation meetings and
events are available on the Council Website www.edinburgh.gov.uk : search Edinburgh Canal Strategy.
Alternatively, please do not hesitate can contact Kate Hopper or Craig Wood of the Planning Service, City of Edinburgh
Council on:
Kate [email protected] 0131 529 6232
Craig [email protected] 0131 529 3904
This document will be available at the Planning & Building Standards reception area at the Councils oces at Waverley
Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh.
It is expected that a draft Strategy, together with the results of the consultation exercise will be reported to Planning
Committee by the end of 2011.
Consultation Information
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You can get this document on tape, in Braille, large print and various computer formats if you ask us. Please
contact Interpretation and Translation Service (ITS) on 0131 242 8181 and quote reference number xxxxx . ITScan also give information on community language translations. You can get more copies of this document by
calling 0131 529 6232.
The Edinburgh Canal StrategyCONSULTATION
MAY 2011
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EDINBURGH CANAL STRATEGYPre-draft consultation comments
ConsultationQuestion
Consultation Response received (key points highlighted) Council R
Cockburn AssociationThe main opportunities appear to have been identified, but thereis no specific mention of opportunities for biodiversity or publicart - vide Ratho Forges ornamental metal interpretive signage atRatho.
Lighting the canal from Edinburgh Quay to the by-pass at WesterHailes is required; lighting should be as unobtrusive as possiblesuch as the LED sunk lights demonstrated at Meggetland. Wherethe Towpath is too narrow consideration should be given towidening.
Better control of foliage growth is required more frequently. Intimes of snow someone should be responsible for keeping thetraffic free artery open by clearing the towpath a.s.a.p.
Interpretation centre/caf/toilet facilities in the Edinburgh Quayshould be considered as part of the new office developments.
INCLUDEDOpportunit
INCLUDEDEnvironme
INCLUDEDEnvironme
INCLUDEDOpportunit
Question 1
Do you consider that wehave identified the fullrange of opportunitiesfor the Union Canal? Ifnot, what alternatives oradditions would youpropose?
Scottish Natural HeritageWe welcome the opportunities to improve access andconnections with the canal and surrounding areas, and toimprove recreational uses along the canal. However, the canal is
a major wildlife corridor within the city, as identified on page 9 AWildlife Habitat, and therefore it is surprising that there are noopportunities listed for the natural heritage or biodiversity. Wetherefore recommend the addition of an entry along the lines of:"Promoting the Union Canal as one of Edinburgh's most INCLUDED
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EDINBURGH CANAL STRATEGYPre-draft consultation comments
important wildlife corridors by safeguarding and/or enhancingboth water quality and existing canal side habitats"
Within the Edinburgh Access Strategy, there are aims to improve
access to and use of the canal. These aims have been reflectedwithin this strategy which is to be commended. It would be usefulfor links to other strategies and plans, with similar aims oraspirations for the canal, to be made within this document.
Developmsection
NOTED Lothian antransport s
Historic ScotlandWe consider that there are also opportunities to use the strategyto raise awareness of the scheduled status of the canal and topromote its heritage value.
INCLUDEDsection anEnvironme
St Andrew Boat ClubThe stretch of the Union Canal from Harrison Park to theCraiglockhart aqueduct is heavily used by rowers and canoeists.Every year, there are problems with the amount of weed on thecanal. The infrequent clearing of weed by BWB is not enough tocontrol the weed to a suitable level. Weed severely hampers allour activities by narrowing the canal and making it harder tonavigate. The reduction in width due to weed presents a safetyissue when we meet other boats. Passing other rowing boatsand canoes is difficult. Passing canal barges is dangerous in anumber of spots. Better maintenance of the water sports stretchof canal would improve safety and benefit the activities of all
waters ports clubs.
The high canal traffic also causes problems with pedestrians andcyclists on the tow path. We must cross the towpath to accessthe canal, a dangerous activity at peak times. Better
INCLUDEDEnvironme
INCLUDEDEnvironme
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EDINBURGH CANAL STRATEGYPre-draft consultation comments
management of weed and grass growth, combined with clearermarking of canal accesses and crossing places wouldsignificantly improve matters. Traffic calming measures such asgates or bumps (found near Harrison Park, but not on our
stretch) located in trouble spots would further help the differentcanal users get along safely.
All clubs also suffer from inadequate facilities. Some boathousesare without running water, toilets and showers. The SABCboathouse is 25 years old and no longer sufficient for our needs.
The small changing facilities cannot support our largemembership and are not suitable for juniors. We have nodisabled access to our toilets, showers or changing rooms. Anew boathouse that meets current statutory requirements andcan support our membership is a high priority.
We support a clearer strategy for development of the canal. Ithas served our club well for over 150 years. Our requirementshave changed in that time to meet with growing membership andmodern legislation.The main issues we would like to see addressed in the canalstrategy are:
Designation of a water sports area
Improved maintenance of the water sports stretch to keepit fit for purpose
Better management of tow path traffic
Better rowing facilities
INCLUDEDEnvironme
INCLUDEDas a water
Chris Collins Scottish WaterA number of existing water and waste water infrastructure assets(such as sewers and various operational / maintenance items)
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EDINBURGH CANAL STRATEGYPre-draft consultation comments
are located either under or adjacent to the canal.
As such it is essential that proposals for development considerthe potential impacts on such assets / infrastructure however this
will usually be addressed through our involvement as a statutoryconsultee to the planning application process.
Where a developer is in doubt, pre-application consultation anddiscussion at the earliest opportunity is advised in order toidentify and find solutions to any potential issues.
INCLUDEDDevelopm
section anClimate Ch
Tollcross Community CouncilIt would be appropriate to include encouragement to organisecycling/walking routes from residential areas further away fromthe canal to the canal corridor to improve sustainable transportoptions.
INCLUDEDenvironme
David Hunter Local residentThe Union Canal forms a valuable route for pedestrians andcyclists through west Edinburgh as well as supporting a widerange of recreational uses. There are good links between thetowpath and intersecting roads along its whole route, with oneexception - there is no access to the canal from the WalkerBridge at Polwarth. I believe that this is the only bridge inEdinburgh where there is no access to the canal. This effectivelydisenfranchises the whole Polwarth community from use of thecanal as a local amenity. Although it is clearly not an easy siteengineering-wise, I am sure that a design can be found to
provide this access and there must be other potential fundingpartners to contribute to costs (such as Sustrans).
INCLUDEDenvironme/ Developmsection
Mike Thomas - ResidentHere are some comments on the Canal Strategy Consultation
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EDINBURGH CANAL STRATEGYPre-draft consultation comments
For example much of the wood buffering is in a pretty bad state.
Access for people with special needs requires more attention. I'mthinking particularly of the barge trips provided by the Seagull
Trust. The condition of berthing areas makes getting on and offbarges trickier than it needs to be. Inconsistent heights have tobe allowed for in barge design. Access for emergency serviceneeds to be considered.
INCLUDEDenvironme
Peter Scott Planning ServicesThe Union Canal within Edinburgh is a vital walking and cyclingartery and all efforts should be made to enhance its roles inpromoting active and sustainable travel along the Canal corridorand through link routes to the Canal - including links to keyroutes, such as the National Cycle Network routes into/throughEdinburgh. Wherever possible the Canal towpath should be of
an appropriate width to sustain multiple use (i.e. walking, cyclingand use by wheelchair users, mobility scooter users, etc.) - i.e. aminimum width of 3m. Provision should be made for disabledpeople at key hub points - e.g. disabled parking, seats and'passing places' at short intervals.
The Union Canal in Edinburgh is an important cultural heritageresource. The Strategy should include proposals for innovativemeans of interpreting and showcasing the Canal's heritagethrough interpretive displays, sculptures/artwork and events.
The Strategy should include proposed arrangements for thelonger term maintenance of the Canal, towpaths and associatedfeatures, including ranger coverage and community involvementin the improvement, maintenance and environmental and visitormonitoring of the water/land corridor.
INCLUDEDenvironme
INCLUDEDsection
INCLUDEDenvironme
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Peng Lee Yap Local residentI received the above document by e mail: I thought it wasexcellent and the proposals sound quite exciting. However, may Iadd one small point that has not been mentioned specifically?
We walk on the Canal quite regularly to just beyond HarrisonGardens and always feel that it would be nice to have a coffee orsome soft drink in the Harrison Gardens area
At present, there is no such provision and it would enhance thatpart of the Canal greatly if such a public facility was set up. Thereis some parallel with the Meadows - I used to be involved in theFriends of the Meadows and there were no cafe facilities on theMeadows till the Friends of the Meadows pressed the Council tolease part of the Cricket Pavilion to a local person, who nowopens a cafe most days during Spring Autumn. Could there bea similar arrangement with some property that the Council owns
in the Harrison Park area?
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Yann Tessier Local ResidentI belong to the regular canal path cycle commuters. I made thechoice not to own a car, living in Bruntsfield and commuting toRiccarton.For me the primary value of the canal is to avoid car traffic andits risks. I believe there is also an advantage to car users havingone fewer bike on the streets (including when it comes toresidential parking). However this advantage can be offset in partby the issues of sharing a narrow towpath with other users
having other objectives.
Using the path for commuting (approx. 600x/year), I cannotafford to be virtually stopped each time I come across apedestrian. Safety has been 100% ensured in my 3-year
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experience through me taking the appropriate behaviour(anticipation, gentle bell warning, proper safety equipment).Safety should rely on other users adopting a responsible conductas well, such as having one's dog (or sometimes one's toddler!)
under control, walking in line where width barely allows 2 lanes,etc. Ideally clear rules should be set as to which lane should beused by pedestrians by default, and cyclists respectively. In aneven better world, there would be a towpath for cyclists (e.g. asecond one would be created on the other side of the canal).
To minimise encounters and the associated risks, I impose onmyself to wake up early and get to work around 0630 am. I mustsay this is a constraint, and would dream of a city wherein I couldcommute seamlessly and safely at any time...
I am conscious there is no ideal solution, but just wanted to voice
one story, in case some of your ideas can (even marginally) helpthe category of users I represent (and likely other users, throughthe peace brought by clear rules).
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Ursula Adams (member of Craiglockhart CommunityCouncil)While the urban path going into the Edinburgh Centre is pleasantfor both cyclists and walkers, the two groups mixing on the samepath is not an ideal situation, many walkers avoiding the canalpath altogether, particularly if they have dogs, because thepeace is spoiled by constant cyclists, whether or not they use
their bells. Would it be possible to perhaps have a simple,spaced out, wooden "separation" which would separate the twogroups?
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Spokes
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SPOKES welcomes the opportunity to comment on thisconsultation document.
The canal towpath is extensively used by cyclists for both
recreational and other journeys. Taken with the Colinton/Balernocycle path, which it links into, it provides opportunities for cyclingin an attractive and motor traffic free environment for longdistances from the centre of Edinburgh to the south westernedge. It is a considerable asset for both cyclists and thecommunity as a whole.
SPOKES has encouraged the BWB and Edinburgh Council topositively manage and develop the towpath for safe cycling forfamilies and others for over 30 years, well before it became morewidely recognised as an asset rather than just an industrial relic.The improvements in the surfacing have been an important step
forward in allowing full use to be made of its potential.
SPOKES believes that further improvements should beconsidered where possible, including:
1. creating more access points (especially in the sectionbetween Harrison Park and the canal basin);
2. improving existing access points to make them moreevenly graded for cyclists and other users;
3. installing low impact lighting as the towpath is extensivelyused
4. in the early evenings in winter and there is a particular
danger of collisions;5. improving any remaining stretches without a satisfactoryhard surface;
6. exploring the options for widening the towpath, forexample, between Ashley Terrace and the access point
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to the Colinton cycle path, by cutting back on thesurrounding vegetation.
SPOKES was pleased to learn that CEC has alreadycommissioned a study to identify options for improvements alongthe canal towpath including low impact lighting. We consider thatthe strategy should include a commitment to active considerationand implementation of a programme of improvements of the sortmentioned above.
SPOKES recognises that increasing use of the towpath by awide range of users has brought its own problems although theextent of these can easily be exaggerated. SPOKES supportsthe principle of courteous behaviour by all users including, butnot limited to, cyclists. Although SPOKES would be strongly
opposed to any attempts to single out cyclists for criticism, wewould be happy to contribute constructively to any guidance,information or code of practice that might be developed to helpprevent conflicts between users. We would also be happy toconsider disseminating any such advisory material to ourmembers in due course.
David J. HoodNo; and indeed the opportunities dont actually include theboating community, business or take cognisance of the actualcanal and boats as the central feature, strangely!
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Question 2
Can you identify where
Cockburn AssociationIn general, opportunities to enhance landscape, biodiversity andrecreation should be sought along all sections of the canal.
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Development should be contained within existing settlementsand should be subservient to the general environmental andrecreation requirements. Where new developments are
permitted they should be facing the canal, no newdevelopments should have their back to the canal and moreprominence should be given to low-rise developments.
Improved and more access points especially at existing bridgesis required to really open the canal up to as many people aspossible.
Opportunities for Brown tourist signage particularly at EdinburghQuay and Harrison Park should be explored.
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Scottish Natural HeritageSecuring existing canal side habitat is likely to be most
important in the urban areas and this can be addressed throughthe planning system.
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Historic ScotlandJoint working between Historic Scotland, British WaterwaysScotland and other interested parties could help to achievebetter promotion of the heritage value of the canal.
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the opportunities can bestbe realised or achieved?
David J. HoodGreater encouragement, nurturing and perhaps funding / in-kindsupport to cooperatives and 'user Joint Ventures
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Question 3
Can you identify anyissues in achieving theseopportunities, for example
Cockburn AssociationPriority should be given to the landscape, biodiversity andrecreational opportunities of the canal strategy. Decision makingfor development should give greater weight to these priorities,including the protection of the Green Belt through which much of
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the canal passes. The 2nd and 3rd bullets dealing with thevisual connections of the canal and its appeal for tourism arevery important. These should not be compromised by overdevelopment of the canal side or visual clutter. All development
should be of a high visual standard.
There will be conflicts with Developers in stipulating the aspectand height of properties. Developers should contribute to thecanal and towpaths ongoing upgrade and maintenance andmust be constrained in the type of buildings they are allowed.
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Scottish Natural HeritageThere can be conflicts where adjacent householders purchasesmall pockets of land at the canal side and canal habitat is lostto gardens. Again this is predominantly in urban areas.
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Historic ScotlandIncreased development of the canal as a result of the strategy
could present issues for its status as a scheduled monument.For this reason there is a need for understanding of its historicvalue and early consultation with Historic Scotland would beadvantageous for new proposals which may have a physicalimpact on the monument or which may impact upon its setting.
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where they may beconflicts?
Lynn GrattageThe more you have different users, the more conflict withwalkers, cyclists, etc. But this can be minimised by carefullandscaping, and having marked cycle lanes around areaswhich have things going on.
More about conflicts though you are probably already aware:
There are already conflicts in use of the tow path. I use the towpath for cycling, walking, walking with dogs, and lately skiing!One thing which is really annoying (particularly as a cyclist
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myself), is the irresponsible behaviour of some cyclists,principally cycling past other users too fast. I hear stories ofcyclists being pushed into the canal which could be due toannoyance at cyclists behaviour. Some cyclists are not aware
they need to warn dogs as well as humans of their presence.There are speed limit signs on the side of the canal nearer thetown centre, but I dont know if these are for cyclists or boats(boats I think). Perhaps signs / speed limits for cyclists wouldbe good.
One important area to mention is the Aqueduct over the water ofLeith. There is a sign telling cyclists to dismount. Most(including myself), do not dismount as this makes it even moredifficult to pass another user due to the narrow space. Actually,people are always really considerate in my experience in thisarea, despite it being very busy.
The tow path has become very busy with cyclists, particularlyduring rush hour times, as it is such a fantastic traffic freecorridor, and I have to say, it is one of the highlights for me ofgoing to work as it is beautiful cycling along the canal, whateverthe weather. A major way for the council to relieve the pressurethis causes on the tow path is to create / enable more traffic freecycle routes to town for commuters, as it shows how manypeople would commute by bike if they thought it was safe.
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David J. Hood- good use v 'over-use'- commercial v public- planning 'anal-ness' (sorry!) v ensuring all in concert- using the canal and its environs to full capacity v overuse /
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overlap (e.g. same day, different use on the day etc)
Cockburn Association
The guiding principles for canal waterway sustainability shouldbe derived from the Brundlandt definition of sustainabledevelopment (Our Common Future, 1983)development that meets the needs of the present withoutcompromising the ability of future generations to meet their ownneedsat a minimum, sustainable development must not endanger thenatural systems that support life on earth: the atmosphere, thewaters, the soils and the living beings
Developers and property owners as well as users of the canal interms of boat/canoe/fisherman should all contribute in the
upkeep of the canal through fees, charges and planning gain.Cyclists/walkers should contribute through Sustrans who will bedeveloping the route.
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Tollcross Community CouncilWe feel that more weight should be given to the suggestion thata balance between mobile and static commercial boats shouldbe in favour of mobile boats. There is an aspiration to keep thewaterway as a vibrant, used facility and as there is a shortage ofmoorings for boaters who wish to visit, then we feel that spaceat the end of the canal should not be limited by more than a few
permanently moored boats. This may well be against theinterests of British Waterways but in the interests of canal users.
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Question 4
How can we achieve asustainable canalwaterway?
David J. HoodEnsure that everyone involved is working in concert; this is notthe case currently. Success to date has relied upon individual
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actions and in spite of, not due to, inertia and bureaucracy; Q4is too difficult to fully do justice with an answer: there arefundamental problems with non-inclusion, fiefdoms, 'stalling' anduncertainty to overcome first.
Cockburn AssociationThe canal strategy should seek to implement the Brundlandtdefinition of sustainability. A particular concern for futuregenerations will be how to deal with climate change issues andthis should form part of the strategy e.g.
seek zero CO2 emissions from powered boats onthe canal.
promote tree and shrub planting to sequestercarbon.
protect high quality soils from development, whichwill be needed for food production by futuregenerations.
The Canal strategy should bring together stakeholders as theway forward. All those that have an interest must berepresented as they ultimately will be required to make thestrategy sustainable.
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Question 5
What role should a canalstrategy have in helpingto achieve this?
David J. HoodShould alleviate the above and lead to ensuring a common andinclusive approach; vision needs to be matched by willingness,
real intent and funding!
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Question 6 Cockburn AssociationBetter awareness on the existence of the canal is required INCLUDED
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through better tourist type signage, more and better access,more interpretation and explanation points explaining how thecanal fits in with other Scottish Waterway and other initiativessuch as Sustrans, Garden City and planning along the canal
side in general.
environmeHow can we improve therole of the Union Canaland Edinburgh within thewider Scottish Waterway
Initiatives?David J. HoodMake Edinburgh Quay and the other stop-off points truedestinations as opposed to just temporary 'drop off points' or aterminus.
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Cockburn AssociationDesign should follow what is considered best practice fromelsewhere, appropriate signage and lighting is essential, furtherand better biodiversity issues require to be addressed i.e. moreplanting of trees, bushes etc. Building proposed must fit in withwhat is already there and not detract from the canal. Thoseliving by the canal must be part of the canal and not shut off byhigh fences or hedges. More hard and soft landscaping isrequired particularly in the Wester Hailes area. Safety must be akey feature in any design guidelines for all users of the canal.
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Question 7
What design guidelinesshould the strategypropose to ensure canalside developments relateto and enhance the localidentity of the waterway inthe City?
Scottish Natural HeritageThe principles listed are all important in maintaining the settingof the canal side and connectivity with the canal s