Edinburgh City Council has confirmed its intention to build two new schools on local parkland.

A report shows the City of Edinburgh Council remains committed to replacing the existing Portobello High School and that the intention is to build it on part of Portobello Park.

A statement from the Council said: "The recent appeal outcome has shown that there is a significant gap in existing legislation which is preventing the Council from building on the park."

The gap referred to is the fact that local authorities do not have power to appropriate land intended for common use. However, they are entitled to dispose of any such land provided it is sanctioned by the Sheriff Court or the Court of Session.

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The Council says it has written to Ministers, seeking support for a change in the legislation.

It also intends to address the main concerns of the local community relating to the loss of open space in the area.

Councillor Paul Godzik, Education, Children and Families Convener said, "We are committed to delivering these schools and we still believe that the park is the right place to build the new High School. We have weighed up the different options for achieving this and consider that a Private Act has the best prospect of success.

"Further to this, I am pleased to announce that we plan to build a new park to help address concerns by some of the local community around the loss of green space. I’m sure this news will be welcomed by all Portobello residents."

The Council says the community will be given a say in what the new park would look like and be given free access to the all weather pitches beside the new high school.

(IT)