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Furious residents have labelled a giant inflatable dome an ‘enormous zit’ after it was erected over tennis courts at a historic sports club.
The Grange Club in Edinburgh sparked uproar with some neighbours after winning a battle to put up the cover on two new tennis courts.
Upset homeowners in upmarket Stockbridge have compared to the dome to a ‘bouncy castle’ and claimed it ruins views of the area’s architecture.
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Some locals said noise and vibrations from electric fans used around the clock to keep the dome inflated are impacting their sleep.
The dome, which houses tennis courts, was opened in December after the Scottish Government overruled a City of Edinburgh Council decision to reject the plans that also included new padel courts.
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.
It has attracted more than 460 signatures.
It said: “In defiance of the views and objections of local people, the community council and a rejection by The City of Edinburgh Council Planning Department, the Scottish government went ahead and greenlit the build of new tennis and padel courts by the Grange Club.
“A single person approved this, negating the impact to many over the benefit to a few.”
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It added: “We ask that The Grange Club makes visual adjustments to their structures. A monochrome dull green/grey finish to the inflatable tennis court balloon and padel courts would be more in keeping with the surroundings of parkland and Victorian and Edwardian buildings.
“Additional soundproofing in the fan enclosure is needed to remove the noise and return the neighbourhood to the sound of the Water of Leith.”
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.”
Claire Baxter, 45, who lives locally, told BBC Scotland News she was shocked when she saw the dome.
She said: “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 tennis court 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.”
Mr Hughes, an IT programme manager, added: “This only benefits a very select few who are members of the Grange Club and who don’t even live next door to it.”
The application to erect the structure was initially rejected by planners with 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 were a lack of indoor tennis facilities in Edinburgh.
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’.
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.”
Max Mitchell, an Edinburgh councillor whose ward covers the tennis court, 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 host Scotland cricket team matches. The club has more than 650 members and includes tennis, hockey, squash and cricket on its site.
Rick Symington, chair of The Grange Club, had earlier welcomed the dome’s arrival.
He said: “Having the ability to play all year round and not worry about the elements will make a tremendous difference. We’ve had many new joiners eager to play regardless of the season.”
They have been asked for comment.
