Cars could be banned from a disabled car park and taxi rank in Edinburgh, it has emerged.
The area outside Marks and Spencer’s and Superdrug on Morningside Road could be redeveloped for another function. The Community Council has suggested it could be turned into a 'green space'.
No set plans for the car park have been confirmed but it is understood it could be closed off to cars completely to make way for a "people friendly and greener area".
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The car park and taxi rank is currently used by shoppers coming back and forth to Marks and Spencer’s and Superdrug. The zone currently consists of two disabled parking spaces and a space for a taxi.
A spokesperson for the Morningside Community Council said: “There are no plans but we are interested in exploring how the space could be used differently. The area was identified by the council’s ‘public street life assessment’ in 2015 as an area of possible improvement.”
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Councillor Ben Parker, climate & environment spokesperson for the Greens on Edinburgh City Council and member for the Morningside ward, said trees could be planted in the area and benches installed.
He added: “It’s always good to see council officers engaging with communities on the ground, including via the Community Council who do excellent work locally. The space outside Marks & Spencer could be put to much better use than it is currently, whilst still maintaining amenity for those with limited mobility.
"In the context of the climate and nature emergencies we need to radically reimagine what our public space looks like -- I would welcome ideas to change the streetscape here with the addition of trees, benches and other planting to make the area more pleasant for locals, whilst simultaneously tackling the climate crisis. Of course, we are still at very early days and these are just my views -- I hope that officers continue to engage with the Community Council and others to develop ideas further.”
Labour councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener on the city council, said a change of use was being explored as part of the authority's "20-minute neighbourhood" plans. The strategy aims for "everyone to meet most of their daily needs within a short walk, wheel or cycle from their home."
He added: “Our 20-minute neighbourhood strategy is absolutely focussed on working with communities and businesses to improve local town centres and high streets, which provide many of the essential facilities and services that people need easy access to. At the heart of this is making it easier for people with disabilities to move around – something that is not always possible in Morningside.
“We are currently in the very initial stages of exploring potential opportunities to enhance a space on Morningside Road which was previously identified as an opportunity for improvement in a Public Life Street Assessment project.
“At present, we have no plans or funding agreed for this space, and the next steps will be to support engagement with the community council, local residents and businesses to understand what people would like to see from the area, as we want to make sure their views shape the neighbourhood approach. I can guarantee, however, that any final proposal will be an improvement for people with disabilities.”
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