Abbeylands Residents

There is a view that folk that live in rural towns or perhaps by the sea, don’t need trees lining their streets. For these folk probably have large gardens or can within short walking distances – or more likely these days a car journey – take a stroll in real countryside. People that live in cities often have better and more accessible amenities and parkland to enjoy. But that misses the point, as urban trees, greens and parkland are not a substitute for countryside amenities. Cities very often have well-managed and long established street planting schemes along main streets and side streets, within low or high rise residential areas, and including pocket parks. New plantings are increasingly commonplace. A new report out ‘Trees in the townscape‘ renews the case for urban trees, and while it is not the most inspiring read it inspired me to write this. Continue reading Trees are not just for city folk

As the posse of official-looking individuals marched down the High Street, it was clear they were on a mission. Suits are pretty uncommon in Dunbar and it usually means official council business or a funeral. The huddle headed headlong into the Abbeylands cul de sac and peered through the fence that encloses the old garage lands, which are planned to be social housing. The suits literally bristled with hubris, jabbed their fingers with intent and then swaggered off utterly oblivious to the incongruity of their garb.

Continue reading East Lothian News: Parking and the Voice of the People

There are 2 stakeholders whose views won’t be heard very loudly in this minority debate about parking versus social housing at Abbeylands.  The people who could occupy the accommodation that may now not be built, whose voice usually goes unheard. When it is, there’s always an unhealthy voyeuristic angle to it – for there’s not many ways stories about poor people in housing need help flog newspapers.

And then there are High Street residents, who usually suffer quietly. I’m frequently told: “… if you live on a High Street, that’s what you should expect …”  Many, perhaps most High Streets are technically designated as ‘mixed use’ in rural areas at least. The role of residents  is a fact that Mary Portas seriously underplays in her recent report intended to stimulate their revival. Not only do residents have a stake but it would be a good thing if their voice was listened to a bit more. I contend that until this happens many High Streets will continue in their progressive decline. Owner occupiers can bring much needed investment to support genuinely local business and are more likely to be engaged with issues that affect their street.

Continue reading The greater good: the case for convenient parking