Edinburgh City Council's Education Convener, Councillor Park Godzik, has welcomed two significant milestones in relation to the new Portobello High School development.

In a statement, Mr Godzik said: "I am pleased that the City of Edinburgh Council (Portobello Park) Bill Committee has recommended to the Scottish Parliament that the general principles of the bill be agreed to and that it proceeds as a Private Bill. I now look forward to the Scottish Parliament considering this report in due course.

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"I am also pleased to report that today's Development Management Sub-Committee approved the renewal of the planning application for the proposed new Portobello High School on Portobello Park. So we are two steps closer to delivering a fantastic new school for the pupils of Portobello."

The Private Bill aims to change the Common Good status of Portobello Park from 'inalienable' to 'alienable' – but only for educational purposes. This would mean that although the land would remain in the Common Good, the Council would be able to 'appropriate it', or change its use to an educational purpose.

Earlier this year, Edinburgh Council consulted on its proposals for a Private Bill and received resounding support to take it forward, with more than 12,000 individual responses received. Of the valid responses received from the city's residents, 70% supported the proposals. The level of support from those in the local Portobello area was higher at 76%.

(JP/IT)