RESIDENTS in a plush Scots neighbourhood have been left furious after their calls for a meeting to be held over a giant inflatable dome have been rejected.
Locals in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, blasted the huge dome and said it looks like an ‘enormous zit’ was erected over tennis courts near their homes.
Residents have been infuriated by an inflatable dome near their homes[/caption]
A petition against the dome has received 715 signatures[/caption]
They compared the eyesore to a ‘bouncy castle’ and said that it is ruining their views, as they called for action to be taken over it last month.
Some homeowners in the area have been complaining about The Grange Club after it won a battle to put the cover up over two new courts in 2024.
It officially opened in December last year after the Scottish Government overruled a City of Edinburgh Council decision to reject plans that also included new padel courts.
But neighbours claimed they could hear noise and vibrations from electric fans that the club uses around the clock to keep the dome inflated.
Many said that it is impacting their sleep, as they launched a petition demanding external ‘visual adjustments’ and soundproofing for equipment to be added.
The petition gathered 715 signatures and protesters asked The Grange to agree to a meeting to voice their concerns.
Their dismissive and rather patronising response is particularly galling
Geoff Calder
Protesters have gathered together and formed StRAP (Stockbridge Residents Against the Plook) in a bid to campaign against it.
However, the club’s chairman Rick Symington has rejected their requests and defended the decisions.
He said: “A thorough and exhaustive process was carried out in line with local and national regulations.
“We do not believe that it would be productive to hold a meeting at this juncture due to the limitations that the club would have to make any changes to the facilities that have been duly confirmed as acceptable through the long and complex planning process.”
However, Community councillor Geoff Calder hit out at Mr Symington’s response and slammed their decision to refuse to speak with them.
He said: “Their dismissive and rather patronising response is particularly galling because it infers residents should have raised concerns earlier, when they know full well that the Community Council unanimously objected to the plans.”
Locals have also slammed the decision, with one resident, Sarah Hill, saying she was disappointed by the club’s attitude.
She said: “I would have expected a historic club like the Grange would have prided itself on being a good neighbour, but it seems not.
“To refuse even to meet us is disappointing and quite arrogant.”
“In the recent warm weather I sat outside to enjoy the sunshine. The noise from the padel courts was constant.
It beggars belief that something so garish and ugly ever got permission in a conservation area
Paula Wiseman
“There were loud shouts from the players and the batting sounded like gunshots echoing off the walls.
“The courts are open every day until 10pm, so the noise is constant and much worse at the weekend.”
Other neighbours have voiced concerns over the light that shines from the courts, saying it could cause an accident.
Max Wilkie said: “I certainly think the light pollution from the padel courts and being reflected off the courts from the lighting on the outdoor courts is a significant issue.
“When turning down the alleyway into Reid Terrace at night on foot I am dazzled by the lighting.
“I would imagine there is a significant risk of drivers coming down the alley being similarly dazzled/blinded which would put pedestrians at risk.”
I would have expected a historic club like the Grange would have prided itself on being a good neighbour… To refuse even to meet us is disappointing and quite arrogant
Sarah Hill
Raeburn Place resident Paula Wiseman, whose property backs onto the site, added: “It beggars belief that something so garish and ugly ever got permission in a conservation area.
“The documents in the planning application didn’t give a realistic idea of just how dreadful this thing would be, but they were enough for the local councillors to throw out the application, so this abomination effectively comes down to the opinion of one man and we are having to live with the consequences.”
It is understood that residents are now considering what further action to take.
Inverleith Conservative councillor Max Mitchell said: “It is disappointing that the Grange Club finds itself unable to meet residents to discuss their concerns.
“I would have hoped that a sports club integral to the Stockbridge community would continue to engage with its neighbours and the residents.
“While the club has adjusted fans to improve noise impact, there are things residents feel they could do. Perhaps if they meet then solutions could be found.”
The Grange was founded in 1832 and regularly hosts matches for the Scottish cricket team.
The club has more than 650 members and includes tennis, hockey, squash and cricket on its site.
The Grange Club in Stockbridge,Edinburgh, uses the dome to cover their tennis courts[/caption]
