In a posh neighborhood of Edinburgh, a massive inflatable dome that has been compared to a gigantic bouncy castle has generated a stir.
The building has been called a “enormous zit” by Stockbridge residents, ruining the area’s beautiful Georgian architecture.
Additionally, some residents claim that the noise and vibrations from the electric fans that are used constantly to keep the dome inflated are keeping them up at night.
After the Scottish government overturned a City of Edinburgh Council decision to deny the plans, the dome—which holds tennis courts—was built at a private sports club last October.
They describe it as a “monstrous blight” in a conservation area in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Requests for comment from the Grange Club have not received a response.
Local resident Claire Baxter, 45, told BBC Scotland News that she was taken aback by the dome.
It’s terrible and appears to be a huge zit. It amazes me every time I pass it that it has been permitted.
“Everyone in the neighbourhood has been talking about it for months.”
Living next to the inflatable, Keith Hughes compared it to having a little replica of London’s Millennium Dome (now the O2) outside his window.
“The soft hum of the background fans maintaining the tennis court roof’s inflation keeps me up every night.
“Their heritage has been completely ignored. Given the effect on this World Heritage Site, they need to feel ashamed of themselves. They have shown no regard for the local populace.
After three years of enjoying the “beautiful” area, the 57-year-old claimed he now plans to move.
Additionally, he compared the dome to the Scotland national cricket team’s home field, The Grange Club, which has a category A-listed cricket pavilion.
“How have they managed to get away with having this unsightly behemoth that dominates the skyline and jars the eye, when you have this beautiful grandstand that has been there since 1892?
“This only helps a very small number of Grange Club members who don’t even live next door,” said Mr. Hughes, an IT programme manager.
The planning documents don’t specify how long The Grange Club plans to maintain the inflatable construction. Locals think it’s permanent now.
It was appealed to the Scottish government after the City of Edinburgh Council’s planners first denied the application to build the skyscraper.
Minister-appointed Scottish government reporter Andrew Fleming overturned the council’s ruling, opening the door for the dome’s construction.
He claimed that because Edinburgh lacked indoor tennis facilities, he permitted it for the good of the people.
According to Jacquie Christie, it was “horrendous” that her 80-year-old mother, who has lived in the same home for 50 years, could feel vibrations from the strong fans.