Midlothian Forum

Joined : 12 Feb 2008 Posts : 13

Pretty much, I think they were going to create some sort of slip road off as you come round the corner at the front of the Health Centre but dont really think they have taken into account that the buses actually sit at the bus terminus if they are early etc. Don't know where the main bus stop is getting moved to now as all we got from the council was the letter with what had been agreed but said that this part of it hadn't be passed.

Joined : 17 Mar 2008 Posts : 34

I heard recently that the big yellow sign which has been erected by the bus stop is illegal since that is a conservation area and they did not get planning permission. Wonder why the council have not done anything about that?

Joined : 12 Feb 2008 Posts : 13

That is interesting, although I am not sure if that area is still classed as a Conservation area anymore as I know that the whole of Imrie Place was a Conservation area and apparently that got lifted so the houses at the back of the Health Centre could be built and years ago we weren't allowed to have satellite dishes on the front of the building because of it being a conservation area and now there are loads of them on the front of the building.

Joined : 01 Sep 2007 Posts : 17

Joined : 26 Aug 2007 Posts : 53

I'd be interested in clarification of Gonzo's points, pitsgate.

Is Imrie Place a conservation area?
If not, when did it stop being one and were there any rules/restrictions on its further use?
If it is a conservation area of any type, is the yellow sign within the rules?

You know me quite well, I think, and you know that I will be sympathetic to anyone who wants Penicuik to look a bit prettier and provide an aesthetically pleasant place for us to live. You also know that, like Madonna, I'm a material girl in a material world and believe that jobs and money in the town centre could do a lot to assist that process. It is a balance, though, and needs thought and careful handling. I'd just like some facts here, please.

Joined : 17 Mar 2008 Posts : 34

Ah yes, those lovely troublemakers! I know exactly who you mean - are they also to blame for the non-appearance of the "Bustracker" signs in Penicuik as it is almost a year now since the posts were installed.
I used to think it was just the council not bothering about us until I learned the truth about this bunch of antis who oppose any plans, often causing them to be scrapped due to the high cost of appeals and inquiries. Often more is spent on legal fees etc than the cost of the work!

Joined : 01 Sep 2007 Posts : 17

Wen, I have some sympathy but in the final analysis a town centre is primarily a commercial area. We have a lot of people who are very pessimistic about development in the town and argue that there is no point in building more shops when some of the existing ones are empty.
That is a point of view but when a firm is prepared to put a lot of time, money, and effort into developing the precinct and other parts of the centre I would respectfully submit (m'lud) that those of us who are not putting our time, money and effort on the line should respect those who are.
I am assured that the Lidl sign is quite legal which I assume means that whether it is in a Conservation Area or not all the necessary permissions have been granted.
Apart from which it's only a hoarding, for God's sake. There are worse eyesores in Penicuik than a sign saying that something good is about to happen to the town centre.
Of course there are still those who will object because the firm is German. Most of us have got over that problem, even those of us who lost relatives in the last unpleasantness, but there are still a few ...

Sam, I can't comment on the bustrackers because I don't know but I'd be surprised if they were objecting; they're all in favour of buses as far as I know. About the only thing they are in favour of except grassing over the precinct and closing all the pubs!
affraid

Joined : 26 Aug 2007 Posts : 53

German? A problem? Why? (I do realise I might be asking you to use all your psychic and clairvoyant powers.)

Petra Kelly, the Green coalition, '99 Red Balloons', affected a large segment of German society when we had barely the odd recycling point. What's the problem, exactly? Laughing

Joined : 01 Sep 2007 Posts : 17

Joined : 17 Mar 2008 Posts : 34

Latest I have heard on the Lidl situation is that the builders who were going to construct the new store have gone bust so they have to get another contractor in, with the usual delays etc. Let us hope they can get a move on soon!

Joined : 12 Feb 2008 Posts : 13

Great news for the residents of Imrie Place, at least it delays us looking at the eye sore for a wee bit longer Very Happy

Joined : 17 Mar 2008 Posts : 34

I am beginning to wonder if any of the plans for shops will ever happen. Perhaps it is all just a ruse with each one trying to push the other one...no sign of Lidl or work starting on Aldi plus nothing happening with the expansion of Tesco. They are now applying for a wind turbine too! What next?
Does anyone know anything about the 99p shop in the High Street as it is having a big clearance sale at the moment? Hopefully it won't be another empty unit....

Joined : 12 Feb 2008 Posts : 13

yeah, the residents of Imrie Place have heard nothing further about the exciting plans for Lidl. The last I heard was when Sam mentioned that the builders Lidl use had gone bust. I know the council also had concerns over the road layout once Lidl was built as they wanted to put the bus stop in front of the health centre. Closing off the entrance to the car park at Imrie Place will be a big mistake - what happens when an ambulance is trying to get along to the health centre (which they do frequently) and they can't get along because the bin men are emptying the buckets or someone is getting a delivery - they won't even be able to reverse and turn at the car park entrance, they'll have to sit and wait or reverse right along Imrie Place out on to Kirkhill Road - very safe! we did put this argument forward at the time we objected but hey! we are just the residents, what do we know! Twisted Evil

Yes unfortunately the 99p shop is closing down so that will be yet another empty shop unit, why don't Lidl or Aldi open there instead.

Joined : 17 Mar 2008 Posts : 34

A big shock today to see a digger in action at the former site of Edwards / Oxfam shop in the precinct. Surely this cannot mean they ae actually starting work on the long-promised shops and flats!

Sad news about the 99p shop as it always seemed pretty busy. I imagine that Aldi and Lidl rejected it due to the steps which make it a non-starter with the disabled access requirements. It did used to be the Co-op supermarket many years ago but is probably too small for that use today. Rolling Eyes

Admin Joined : 28 Apr 2007 Posts : 237

I heard that the 99p shop in Penicuik was doing fine. However, the problem was that the company which owned it and the other shops was in trouble.
_________________
Andy

Fear knocks at the door, knowledge answers and finds nothing.