FURIOUS residents in a swanky Scots neighbourhood are demanding a review after a giant inflatable dome they’ve branded the “great plook” was given the green light.
Locals in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, are up in arms over the massive indoor tennis court, which they say has wrecked their views and turned their tranquil area into a noisy nightmare.
16/02/25 Inflatable Dome at Grange Club in Stockbridge,Edinburgh.[/caption]
The controversial Grange Club dome opened last December after the Scottish Government overruled Edinburgh Council’s decision to block the plans.
But residents claim they were in the dark about the appeal decision, leaving them unable to lodge further objections or take legal action.
Now campaigners have formed StRAP (Stockbridge Residents Against the Plook) to fight back.
Locals say the dome’s electric fans, which run around the clock to keep it inflated, create constant noise and vibrations, while dazzling lights from padel courts force them to shut their shutters at night.
A petition demanding soundproofing and changes to the dome’s appearance has already racked up over 700 signatures.
StRAP members have now written to Scott Ferrie, Chief Reporter for the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA), calling for a review of the appeals process.
Their letter blasts the lack of consultation during the appeal, led by reporter Andrew Fleming, and highlights strong local opposition to the project.
It reads: “We respectfully request a thorough internal review of this decision, particularly considering the strong local opposition, lack of sufficient consultation, and the contrasting conclusions reached by the experienced planning committee.
“We request that consideration is given to a lack of transparency in the process and the subsequent nuisance effects, in terms of noise and light infringement, which have resulted from the erection of the courts.”
Reid Terrace resident Sarah Hill said: “This was a lovely, tranquil neighbourhood until the courts were built, but now I have to endure 14 hours of relentless ball bashing and players’ shouts every day.
“Doubles matches are really awful and it’s particularly bad at night when the area is quiet, and it goes on after 10pm.
“I knew nothing about this latest development until they started to build it, so something is not right about it.”
Keith Hughes, who lives nearby and started the petition, said: “The constant hum from the fans is very irritating and it never stops.
“This used to be a very quiet part of town, and now my sleep is constantly interrupted by the noise.
“I don’t understand how something like this could be erected in the heart of our community and so few people knew anything about it until it was too late.”
Saxe Coburg Place resident Mairi Buchanan slammed the dome’s impact on the area’s historic charm.
She said: “Without warning, this air dome appeared, almost overnight, but no one in Saxe Coburg Place appears to have been consulted about this development at any stage.
“It detracts from what was previously a view you would expect to see from a conservation area, across the Water of Leith.
“It makes me wonder what the point of a conservation area is, if a monstrosity like this can be built in its midst.”
The group has vowed to explore all options to challenge the dome but The Grange Club has so far refused to discuss compromises.
