Planning Work Carried Out By The Committee

To preserve and enhance our conservation area, the following voluntary work relating to Planning is carried out by the Committee:

• We review local planning applications that have been submitted to the City of Edinburgh Council on a weekly basis. We identify those applications of local concern and make appropriate representations
• We examine new plans and policies to identify any issues of relevance to Blacket and make representations about issues which we believe may threaten the character of the area
• We work closely with planning staff to ensure they are fully aware of the valuable character of the area and they are sensitive to this in considering applications
• We provide guidance to residents considering changes to their property - which may include trees, boundaries and railings - and help them take forward the work in a way which will enhance the character of the area.

Conservation of Common Areas- The Shrubbery Working Party

When it was formed in the 19th century and when it was restored with much replanting around twenty years ago, the Shrubbery demanded many volunteers and much work. Now in their mature form, regular working parties are arranged around four times a year and are advertised via email. These normally take place on a Saturday morning. The shrubbery working parties are a great spirited and social way to keep these special areas looking beautiful. If anyone would like to help in any way with this please contact the association by email at blacket.association@gmail.com. New planting ideas are always welcome and we hope to continue to make improvements. Regular litter picks in our five streets are also undertaken and we welcome all to contribute. Everyone is encouraged to do their bit in their own street, by picking up litter and trying to keep their patch of pavement and gutter clean. This would certainly help to keep our streets tidy.

Making Changes To Your Property?

If you are thinking of making changes to your property and are not clear about whether it needs planning permission you will find a lot of useful information at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/.../planning_and_building. See also Planning Notes as well as a guide on railings in the Blacket area.

Please Contact Us if you want any further guidance - for example, about other residents who may have done something similar, or sources of designs and materials that are sympathetic to the appearance of the area or consistent with original designs.

The Shrubbery Working Party