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POLICY C8: MUSSELBURGH LAGOONS
The Council supports the following uses and proposals :
1. Musselburgh Race Course
The proposals are to:
- realign and extend the racecourse,
- provide new stables and increased car and horse box parking,
- develop a floodlit all-weather track.
The proposed extension will reduce the extent of the tree belt running parallel with the existing racecourse. This tree belt has become an important feature, albeit that some of the trees may be nearing the end of their life; it will be essential that as much as possible is retained and new areas planted, in conjunction with the development of the golf course discussed later in this policy.
The development of an all-weather track with floodlights will increase the impact of the racecourse; there will be more meetings and events will extend later. The location and operation of floodlights will have to be considered very carefully to assess their likely visual impact and potential for disturbance to neighbouring properties and to wildlife. The increased use of the racecourse will have implications for the level of access possible to the Old Course; this is a matter for discussion between the Joint Racing Committee and the Golf Club.
The alignment of the racecourse shown on the Inset Map is the one preferred by the Joint Racing Committee. The alignment may be altered following further commercial and technical appraisal; the area to be occupied by the racecourse will not, however, exceed that shown.
An area between Balcarres Road and the racecourse is identified to accommodate new stables, car and horsebox parking; again the precise location of these facilities within this area will be subject of further appraisal.
The existing use of the racecourse creates problems with traffic and on-street parking. The proposals for developing the use of the racecourse are intended to increase the numbers of participants and spectators, it will be essential that a full Transport Assessment is undertaken to identify measures to manage access and parking.
2. Facilities For Organised Sport.
An area of 8.1 ha is allocated for sports pitches. To meet requirements for play and training some of the pitches will comprise artificial surfaces and floodlighting; further investigation will have to be undertaken to identify locations within this area for these more intensely used and, potentially, intrusive facilities that will not prejudice wildlife or the amenity of residents. East Lothian Council will have to agree policies to manage access to the pitches, including use by Queen Margaret University College. Concern has been expressed that at least some of the land allocated for pitches will not be able to sustain regular, heavy use; this is a matter to be considered when drawing up detailed proposals, including the number of pitches and their distribution.
The sports pavilion required by Queen Margaret University College and the car parking to serve the pitches have been located within the wooded area around the Pumping House for the Coastal Interceptor Sewer. This location is likely to minimise the disturbance to wildlife and residents. The car park is also well placed to serve users of the public recreation areas identified to the north; it is proposed that vehicular access beyond the car park will be restricted, for example to disabled persons and those delivering equipment to the Boating Pond. The design, height and mass of the Pavilion should take advantage of the attractive backdrop provided by the wooded area in order to minimise the visual impact of the building.
3. Proposed New Golf Course.
An area of 26 ha. has been identified within which it is considered possible to create a 9-hole course without unacceptable conflict with other interests. The northern extension of the area has been drawn so as to leave an undeveloped buffer zone linking Lagoon 8 with the Wader Scrape. Defining the area for golf has required compromise from all interests. Further detailed work, including appraisal of potential impacts on wildlife and plants, and the requirement for tree planting adjacent to the re-aligned racecourse, will be necessary with respect to the design and construction of the golf course and the management of the area. Should the detailed studies conclude that a viable 9-hole course for adults cannot be provided, consideration will be given to a 6-hole course, perhaps designed for juniors.
Additional provision for golf is included in the development of the racecourse: a new clubhouse, perhaps as part of the new stables, space within the expanded racecourse to improve the Old Course and to create a junior course and a practice fairway.
4. Wildlife interests.
The principal interest is the bird life that has led to the designation of large parts of Lagoons, covering an area of 27 ha., as a Special Protection Area. Considerable efforts have been made to reconcile the demands for activities with the need to conserve bird life. Organisations such as RSPB would prefer a lower level of activity, particularly close to Lagoon 8 and the Wader Scrape, but have recognised the needs of other interests and have contributed to finding an acceptable compromise. Management of the Lagoons, and in particular the areas closest to the Special Protection Areas, to deal with increased levels of use will be essential.
5. Access.
The revised policy reduces access by vehicles into the Lagoons. Public vehicular access and parking will be provided at the end of Balcarres Road, in association with developments at the racecourse, and as part of the development of the sports pavilion taking access from Levenhall Road: all other vehicular traffic will be controlled. The policy provides for a network of paths, some existing others to be created, providing access to all parts of the Lagoons
6. Public Recreation
The Lagoons are valued as an open space available for general public recreation. An area of 21 ha is provided for immediate use and a further 22 ha will become available when Lagoon 6 is restored. An important requirement for future management plans, and the assessment of applications to develop the racecourse, golf course and sports pitches, will be to identify wherever possible opportunities for general public access when facilities are not in use.
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