Consultation Guidance
Q4. To what extent do you support or oppose expanding the tram network by introducing a n/s tram route into the city and potentially into the city region.
Please tell us why
Select option: Oppose or Strongly Oppose
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Guidance: Regardless of views on expanding the network in principle, we do not consider that the plan as proposed can be supported.
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​If you would support an extension to the South then that could also be mentioned in your comments, ensuring you have selected "Oppose" or "Strongly Oppose" for this option.
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Suggested response:
Your response might refer to any or all of the following issues:
- permanent loss of habitat and effect on ecology/biodiversity
- loss of greenspace and linear park used for leisure and enjoyment
- loss of active travel, disporporitonately affecting vulnerable groups
- the cost of the scheme as a whole, and whether this is a good use of public money
- the fact that all options have not been considered, for example different forms of rapid transport, different routes or improved bus services
Q5. To what extent do you agree or disagree that we have effectively considered the following proposals for the Orchard Brae corridor?
Select option: Agree for all
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Guidance: We consider that the areas mentioned have been considered in the plans. It is clear that compared to the Roseburn Path:
- "The Orchard Brae option would allow the Roseburn Path / NCN1 to remain entirely undisturbed, preserving a key dedicated off-road active travel corridor" - Jacobs
- Tram stop locations will be substantially more useful with Stockbridge and the Western General Hospital directly served
- Effects on ecology will be minimal​
Q6. What else do you think we could do to improve walking, wheeling and cycling along this route?
​Guidance:
We suggest including no comment
Q7. What else do you think we could do to improve ecology along this route
​Guidance:
We suggest including no comment
"The Orchard Brae route, by contrast, does not traverse any designated ecological corridor" - Jacobs
Q8. What if anything would you ever use the Orchard Brae route for?
​Guidance:
Select any options which would be relevant to you if the Orchard Brae route is used.
The Orchard Brae route will directly serve the Western General Hospital (2 minutes walk to main entrance v 10+ for Roseburn Path route) so specify if you would use it for that.
It will also serve Comely Bank for Stockbridge, Inverleith Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens so state if you would use it for these areas, particularly to support businesses in Comely Bank and Stockbridge.
Q9. To what extent do you agree or disagree that we have effectively considered the following proposals for the Roseburn Path?
Select option:
A - Walking, Wheeling and cycling provision - Strongly disagree
B - Tram Stop Locations - Neither agree nor disagree
C - Protecting and enhancing ecology - Strongly disagree
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​Guidance:
A - The entire nature of walking, wheeling and cycling on the path will be changed forever.
For leisure users, the ambience of the path will be ruined by high speed trams (40mph) passing close by the fenced off path. For active travellers, the route will feel constrained in areas, and may require leaving the path at the southern end. For everyone, the green space and peace will be gone, replaced by noise and vibration with adverse consequences for mental and physical health and wellbeing.
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B - The tram stop at Roseburn serves no real purpose (local residents already have a tram at Murrayfield and an excellent bus service). There is no stop at all serving Ravelston.
We do not consider the stops "good" or "bad", the lack of stops brings into question the value of the route, especially when compared to the Comely Bank/WGH option
Q10. What else do you think we could do to improve walking, wheeling and cycling along this route?
​​​Guidance:
This is an open text box where you can provide your views on what could be better. If you consider that the entire premise of selecting this route is flawed, then that can be stated here.
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​Suggested response:
The Roseburn Path should not be used for a tram route.
From the information provided by the Council, it appears that it would not be possible to provide attractive and safe walking, wheeling, cycling or leisure on the Roseburn Path if a tram is present. This is due to the loss of habitat, green space, linear park and the constrained nature of a fenced in path next to a high speed tram.
Trams should take space from traffic on the road. The safe walking, wheeling and cycling route and leisure and wellbeing amenity of the linear park of the Roseburn Path should be protected.
Q11. What else do you think we could do to improve ecology along this route?
​​​Guidance:
This is an open text box where you can provide your views on what could be better. If you consider that the entire premise of selecting this route is flawed, then that can be stated here.
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​Suggested response:
The Roseburn Path should not be used for a tram route.
The information provided makes it clear that there would be a permanent loss of woodland and habitat. Plans to "mitigate" this loss are not credible and cannot make up for the permanent negative consequences on nature, ecology and biodiversity either short or long term..
Q12. What if anything would you ever use the Roseburn Path route for?
​​​Guidance:
Respond as appropriate but "not applicable (I wouldn't use this route)" will have most effect.​​
Q13. Based on the information presented, to what extent do you support or oppose the following options?
Select option:
A - Introducing a direct tram route from Granton to the city centre - Oppose or Strongly Oppose
B - Using the Orchard Brae Corridor as a section of the tram route - Select as you see fit
C - Using the Roseburn Path as a section of the tram route - Strongly Oppose
D -Extending the tram line from Granton to Newhaven in the future - Select as you see fit
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​Guidance:
A - We suggest "Oppose" or "Strongly Oppose" for the first option because the case put forward is clearly geared towards using the Roseburn Path, and this is not a suitable route for a tram from Granton to the City Centre. If you would support a route via Orchard Brae or via a different route then you can include that in your response to question 14.
B - If you would support a route via Orchard Brae then that can be indicated in your response to the second option.
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D - Select as you consider appropriate. Extending the line from Newhaven allows Granton to be connected to the tram network without using the Roseburn Path or Orchard Brae Route. However, we have concerns that if the Council is prepared to sacrifice green space, a link here could put the entire north Edinburgh path netowrk at risk if the road route is not suitable. Your view on this could be covered in your comments at question 14.​​
Q14. Any other comments or suggestions about the Granton to city centre tram route
Guidance:
This is an open text box and a chance to give your views on anything that you feel strongly about or that has not been covered. Please answer this in your own words.
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Suggested response:
You might like to include:
- the impact that the loss of the Roseburn Path would have on you, for example would you walk or wheel less, would you miss the biodiversity, green space and mental and physical wellbeing and ametity that you draw from the use of the path ?
- if you could support a route south to the RIE but cannot support the route as a whole due to the loss of Roseburn Path:
- if you don't think the cost of a single track route with minimal stops can justify the loss of amenity or costs involved
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Q15-18: Questions regarding the South route
Guidance:
Please fill out these questions as you see fit. This is where you could show support for that part of the route, if appropriate.​​
Q19: Please share any other comments or suggestions you have about developing mass transit connections with the city region.
Guidance:
This is an open text box and we suggest including here if you are in favour of connecting Edinburgh transit to the regions.
Suggested response:
You might like to include:
- If you think onwards connection is a good idea, that the Granton route offers no option to connect to the regions
- If you think a link out to Midlothian or from Leith out to Musselburgh would be good.