RESIDENTS in a plush neighbourhood have called for action after a giant inflatable dome they say looks like an ‘enormous zit’ was erected over tennis courts near their homes.
Furious homeowners in Stockbridge, Edinburgh have compared the eyesore to a ‘bouncy castle’ and say it is ruining their views.
The Grange Club sparked uproar with some neighbours after winning a battle to put up the cover on two new courts last year.
Some locals said noise and vibrations from electric fans used around the clock to keep the dome inflated are impacting their sleep.
The dome was erected in December after the Scottish government overruled a City of Edinburgh Council decision to reject the plans that also included new padel courts.
Claire Baxter, 45, who lives locally said she was “shocked” when she saw the dome.
She added: “It’s horrendous and looks like an enormous zit. Every time I walk past it I cannot believe it’s been allowed.
“Everyone in the neighbourhood has been talking about it for months.”
Keith Hughes, 57, who lives in a house beside the inflatable, likened it to having a version of London’s Millennium Dome outside his window.
He said: “I am awake every single night with the low hum of the background fans keeping the tenniscourt roof inflated.
“They have totally disregarded their heritage. They should be ashamed of themselves for the impact on this world heritage area.
“They have had no consideration for the local people.
“This only benefits a very select few who are members of the Grange Club and who don’t even livenext door to it.”
The application to erect the structure was initially rejected by planners with the City of Edinburgh Council but it was then appealed to the Scottish government.
Government reporter Andrew Fleming overruled the council’s decision paving the way for the dome to be constructed.
He said he allowed it for public benefit because there was a lack of indoor tennis facilities in Edinburgh.
‘Mutant toad in a tracksuit’
A petition launched by objectors has demanded external ‘visual adjustments’ and soundproofing for the fans while others have called for the dome to be taken down.
The online petition has already attracted more than 460 signatures.
Antonia Secchi signed the petition and branded the dome ‘The Toad’.
She said: “The ‘mutant toad in a tracksuit’, as we refer to this colossal blight on the landscape, has obliterated the outlook across the once open green space for dozens of homes.”
Jacquie Christie, 58, said her 80-year-old mother, who has lived in the same house for 50 years, could feel vibrations from the powerful fans and it was ‘horrendous’.
“They have had no consideration for the local people.”
Keith Hughes
She said: “The stress it’s caused her, every morning when she gets up and looks out into the garden and that’s her view.
“She is really devastated over what they have done without a second thought or communication.”
Local Conservative councillor, Max Mitchell, blasted the Scottish Government for “overruling” the Council.
He said: “It’s another frustrating example of a Scottish government civil servant overruling the decision, external of democratically elected and accountable councillors.
“The concerns around the impact on the conservation and residential amenity have sadly come true for those living nearby.
“I can understand why residents are unhappy especially when the applicant was allowed a second bite at the cherry via an appeal.”
A Scottish government spokesman said: “The right to appeal certain decisions made by local planning authorities is an important part of the planning system.
“The decision was issued by an independent reporter, who is required to make their decision on the planning merits of the case, taking full account of submissions made by all parties, including those from members of the local community.”
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 have been approached for a comment.
