Thank you so much to everyone who has filled out our survey, come along to our assemblies and shared their thoughts.
The Draft Local Place Plan is now available HERE for your comment until 28 October 2026. Have we got it right?  How can it be improved?  The draft Plan’s Executive Summary is posted below.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
How to describe our part of South Central Edinburgh? A residential area? A green haven? We ran a community led enquiry to ask our neighbours and the answer was very positive.
Residents and visitors alike value the well established neighbourhood and proximity to the city centre while enjoying access to large parks. The main concern we heard was the lack of preparedness in response to the climate and nature crises. One issue that respondents felt was missing was a holistic approach. So, here are our requests:
- The City Plan 2040 should be radically re-framed as a delivery mechanism for the City Council’s 2030 Climate Strategy and Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy.
Two major development opportunities exist in the area of our Community Councils:
- What happens to Edinburgh Napier University Merchiston site when they leave?
- What happens to Astley Ainslie after the NHS moves from most of the site?
We urge that the principles emerging from the community consultations are followed in framing both sites’ Place Briefs and in all planning decisions in our area:
- There are few development sites in our area and there was a strong support for zoning these for affordable housing – perhaps cohousing – and dwellings for older people NOT for more short term lets, aparthotels or purpose built student accommodation. To make our area climate resilient means permission for solar panels on more roofs even in Conservation Areas, preparation for heat networks and a retrofit support hub.
- Our traditional, long established local shops and leisure facilities are appreciated except that parts of Merchiston are less well served – could this be addressed?
- Green space is valued – along with access to it. More community gardens / allotments would be highly valued. Residents want more trees, further greening measures, parklets, rainwater reuse, green roofs and pollinator gardens.
- There is ambition to see places that are empty used as public community hubs – where all groups and ages are to be accommodated and made welcome e.g. public diners.
- People value the walkability of the area and access to public transport, but desire fewer cars, both for safety and a reduction in air and noise pollution. Improving connections between the network of cycle lanes is important to further enhance the area for cycling.
- We want safe indoor and outdoor spaces for everyone to use as members of an inclusive community, as a reflection of the importance of both physical and mental health.
Our survey is now closed.
Previous People’s Assemblies happened on the last Saturday of the month in January, February and March.
What will the project do?
Our 6-month public engagement programme (Sept 2025 – March 2026) used People’s Assemblies – a participatory model of democracy where all voices are heard:
- Forming a working group with local stakeholders
- Running online surveys and local publicity campaigns
- 3 community assemblies to gather input, develop ideas, and validate proposals
- Producing a community-led report feeding into a Local Place Plan in time for the city’s summer 2026 deadline.
Our focus is South Central Edinburgh – including Bruntsfield, Merchiston, Marchmont & Sciennes. These areas share a similar heritage of pre-1919 tenement and terraced housing, busy local high streets, and strong community identities. The plan’s geographic reach will evolve as we consult with local people.
What outcomes will we achieve?
- A strong, community-informed vision for a greener, fairer, more resilient local area
- New collaborations across neighbourhoods and sectors
- A clear, accessible planning document shaped by local voices
- A replicable model for other Edinburgh communities
- Better engagement with CEC Net Zero 2030 and Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy targets.
We believe change starts on our doorstep. This project empowers residents to shape decisions affecting where we live – building a connected, prepared and hopeful Edinburgh.
Get involved:
You can read more about the Local Place Plan project HERE.
And if you’d like to get involved, email us at: lpp@banzaiedinburgh.org.uk.