George Watson’s College in Edinburgh is seeking to install two artificial playing fields within their grounds on Myreside Road.
Labour MP for Edinburgh South West Dr Scott Arthur took to social media to alert his constituents about a consultation process which is due to take place in February 2025 and March 2025.
Despite the new artificial pitches being on existing playing fields, it is understood local residents will still have to be consulted on the environmental impacts of replacing grass areas with artificial playing surfaces.
The first public consultation on the plans will take place at Myreside Pavillion between the hours of 2.30pm and 6.30pm on February 10.
While the second will take place at the same location between the hours of 2.30pm and 6.30pm on March 6.
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“This post is to inform you that George Watson’s College has submitted an outline planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council for the ‘Installation of two artificial grass sports pitches and associated works and infrastructure’ at their playing fields on Myreside Road,” MP Dr Arthur posted.
“I know there has been speculation regarding the financial health of private schools in Edinburgh, so I expect some people will be reassured that George Watson’s College can consider this investment. Nonetheless, I think it is important that local people have a say on any significant loss of greenspace in Edinburgh South West.
“The public consultation events will be held by the planning consultant at Myreside Pavilion, 79 Myreside Road, Edinburgh EH10 5DB, with the first between the hours of 14:30 and 18:30 on 10 February 2025 and the second between the hours of 14:30 and 18:30 on 6 March 2025.
“Those wishing to obtain further information or to make comments on the proposed development may do so by attending the consultation events. The exhibition material will remain available online, alongside a questionnaire / feedback form, from 10 February 2025 for a minimum period of three weeks following the conclusion of the second event to allow feedback to be completed and returned to the Project Team.
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“The scale of the development site (over six hectares) means that the planning process has two stages:
– Proposal of Application Notice – this stage, where the feedback goes to the applicant.
– Full Application – Which reflects, where possible, feedback from the first stage.”
You can keep up to date with full planning applications made to Edinburgh council through the planning portal site here.