Peter Walkers have occupied much of the West side of Upper Gray Street until the recent conversion of the site for residential use by Applecross. Peter Walkers' purchase in the 1960s of the detached Georgian villa at (then) 20 Upper Gray Street, and their intention to demolish the villa for 'all-electric' offices, were the stimulus for the setting up of the then Upper Gray Street Association, now the West Blacket Association.

Mike Hunter ã 2000

TO THE EDITOR.

1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, October 14 1966 

As solicitors for the firm of builders involved in the erection of an office at 20 Upper Gray Street we should appreciate the opportunity of replying on their behalf to the letter by Mr J, I. Dodds in this morning's "Scotsman".

(1) In his comments on planning procedure, Mr Dodds does no more than echo the concern which has been expressed since the war by solicitors, architects and 'planners who have consistently brought before the public the desirability of reforming present planning procedure to provide for the intimation of planning applications to affected proprietors with a corresponding right for them to be heard in their own interests. Unfortunately, the necessary reforms have not taken place.

(2) Our clients have made it clear all along to Mr Dodds and his advisers that the only building to be erected on the site adjacent to his house is an all- electric office, carefully designed to harmonise with adjacent buildings. There is no intention to build a" transport dept " on the site as suggested by Mr Dodds. Our client's general business as builders will be carried out in property in Upper Gray Street, which for many years has been used for industrial purposes and on property already zoned for commercial purposes in the development plan.

(3) While Mr Dodds makes reference to his property being residential the facts are that within Upper Gray Street, and very near to Mr Dodds' property are at present operating a biscuit factory, coach builders, painters, panel beaters, furnishing contractors, upholsterers, french polishers, painters and decorators and electricians. In South Gray Street which is a continuation of Upper Gray Street are located a British Road Services depot, removal and storage contractors, house furnishers, building contractors and cartographers. The ground immediately to the rear of the west side of Upper Gray Street has for long been zoned for commercial purposes.

( 4) When our clients made their original proposals to demolish the existing house No.20 Upper Gray Street, which were approved by the planning committee, and erect in its place an all- electric office the local residents through their advisors asked our clients to preserve the existing early 19th century villa. From the outset our clients have been in communication with the local residents and have made it clear that they are more than willing to consider any constructive proposals regarding; detail with a view to enhancing the amenity of the district. No objection was taken to our clients using the villa as an office and one of the suggestions seriously put forward by the local residents was .that the facade of the villa be maintained and the office built to the rear. After careful consideration and at considerable cost and inconvenience to themselves our clients have made the alternative proposal which will allow the villa to be retained. One would have thought that the local residents would have welcomed the change of plan and applauded the public spirited attitude of our clients rather than continue their objections to a seemly and all-electric stone-fronted office.

I am &c. John J Gray & Co.

35 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh, December 1, 1966

Sir,-Mr John G. Gray's letter (November 25) has succeeded in creating such confusion over the Upper Gray Street affair that certain facts should be clearly stated.

The builders' firm purchased the site and house at No.20 presumably without knowing that the conditions of feu prohibited them from using the house for industrial or commercial purposes. After a legal case (to which the residents of the street contributed payment of expenses) the Sheriff Court prevented the demolition of the house. It is now proposed ( although further legal objections are pending) to build a new office on the site next to the existing house.

Although Mr Gray stresses that the site will be used only for office purposes, the residents know quite well that this is misleading. Alterations have been proposed to the wall at No 20 which will permit heavy lorries to pass into the street. Once Upper Gray Street becomes a route for this heavy industrial traffic the amenities of the street will be lost lor ever. Another enclave of Edinburgh's architectural glory will have been destroyed.

I am &c, (Mrs) Lilian Martin.