MOST people resident in Edinburgh’s city centre World Heritage Site are “unaware” of what the designation means and what the benefits are.

That was one of several conclusions of a survey of almost 600 local people about how the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site should be managed.

According to the survey’s findings, making sure that planning laws are enforced is critical for the respondents. In recent months, such plans as the St James Centre redevelopment and the hotel proposal for the former Royal High School have led some to speculate that the World Heritage status could be at risk.

“Recent new developments divided opinion,” the survey found. “The respondents are hoping for better quality and more innovative architecture that is respectful of the Old Town and New Town’s architectural context.”

The survey results statement continued: “When asked to think about the maintenance of buildings and streets as well as the impact of new development, respondents expressed concern. The availability of housing, the impact of the tourist economy and transportation were topics that divided opinion.”

The balance between visitor and resident needs was a source of numerous comments in the survey.

The conclusion was: “The Royal Mile attracts the largest number of tourists but is seen to not deliver enough for the resident’s population. While despite the fact the awareness of the city centre’s World Heritage site status was rated highly, respondents were mostly unaware of what it meant and what the benefits were.”

The consultation was held during the summer by the three organisations who manage the site – the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh World Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland.

People were asked to consider 14 key themes, which have all been scored in terms of the feedback received.

Natural space, identity and belonging, facilities and amenities, feeling safe and liveability scored the highest. Housing, moving around and city centre economy received an average score, while care and maintenance of buildings and streets, control and guidance, the contribution of new developments to the city centre, influence and sense of control, visitor management and awareness of the World Heritage Site scored the lowest.

The new management plan for the World Heritage Site is expected to launch next year. A draft will be published in March.

Cllr Ian Perry, planning convener, said: “The survey showed that Edinburgh continues to be an attractive place for people to live and work in and that engenders a strong sense of identity and belonging, which is encouraging.”

Adam Wilkinson, director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “We have received some very clear feedback, confirming our observations, and now we, together with our partners, need to act on it.

“The more people who get involved with the new management plan, the better the protection for our incredible World Heritage Site.”

Barbara Cummins, director of Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Now begins the process of making sense of that feedback and how it should be incorporated into the new document. The end result will be that we have a management plan which reflects the needs of the built heritage, and the people who live, work, visit and look after it.”