Attitudes to a bylaw intended to protect some of Edinburgh’s most well-known beauty spots may be tested following today’s announcement that Edinburgh city authorities are requesting approval to replace West Princes Street’s Ross Bandstand.
Plans to replace the construction with a 10,000-seat arena are expected to be put into action within days, reports the Edinburgh Evening News.
Other areas protected by the bylaw include Bruntfield Links, Meadows and Calton Hall and Leith Links. It is thought that an attempt to change the regulation will result in opposition.
Edinburgh council director of corporate services Jim Inch commented that granting an exception to the law carries a low risk of objection due to the convincing argument for replacing the bandstand.
However, a move to change the law on protected parks and allow construction on any protected area would likely result in objections, he added.
Leader of the council Jenny Dawe stated: "I don’t think people would understand the reasons for trying to amend the existing bylaw."
The Ross Bandstand is an open-air theatre near Edinburgh castle. Built in 1877, it was a gift to the city from William Henry Ross, chairman of Distillers Co.