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What Brian Ferguson's article in the Scotsman actually said: "...A team of inspectors will visit the capital in November after Unesco's world heritage committee ordered an investigation into Edinburgh's World Heritage Site. A report, due to be published in the spring, will recommend whether Edinburgh is placed on Unesco's official "at risk" list of endangered sites. Mr Matsuura told The Scotsman there was mounting concern with Unesco about the impact of major developments in the city and the impact they would have on its skyline. He said: "Edinburgh's World Heritage Site is very important and it is crucial that its outstanding features are preserved and protected." The main trigger for the probe was the city council's decision to approve the 300 million Caltongate scheme, earmarked for land on and around the site of a former bus depot, in the Old Town. Two listed buildings face demolition to make way for a five-star hotel and conference centre, which will have an entrance on the Royal Mile. ...Unesco also made clear that its investigation would cover the proposed redevelopment of the St James Centre, which the council is due to rule on for the first time later this year. Widespread fears have been aired about the impact a new landmark building will have on the skyline. Mr Matsuura's trip to Edinburgh was announced just weeks after the probe into the capital's World Heritage Status was launched. Mr Matsuura said: "I am a bit concerned about the Caltongate development. I saw for myself the site of the development during my tour and was told not to worry too much about the impact it will have, but the big concern will be how it affects the historic skyline. "The debates about new developments are not just happening in Edinburgh, but we are opposed to anything which would impact on the city's skyline. Modern high-rises should not be built in historic city centres or in areas where they would have a significant impact. Nothing else should be decided on these schemes until our inspectors have visited and reported back." (The Leith development is also on the agenda for the visit.) Note - Mr Matsuura was not visiting the City, which he was taken on a tour of, as part of any World Heritage Site official inspection. He is right, however, to state Caltongate should be halted until the UNESCO inspectors can visit and comment, belatedly, on how, in its view, the development impacts on the WHS. Any delays regarding construction cannot be blamed on anyone other than the council and the developer, for failing to comply with international agreements. The council ignored Mr Matsuura's comments (on the grounds UNESCO and World Heritage status is far less important than they are) and voted this week to finally pass the plans anyhow. They had to go before the planning committee again as there had been a planning department error (!) six months ago so the decision had to be revisited. They now will go before Scottish Ministers again.

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