A proposal to build two new garages on East Scotland Street Lane has been turned down (Ref. 13/01202/FUL).
The proposal came from a resident in Bellevue Crescent, and would have involved making two new openings in the existing boundary wall and two new crossovers from the lane.
However, Transport officials were sceptical:
'The garages front the lane with no forecourt. Manoeuvrability into and out of the garages will be difficult and with no sightline available will cause danger to other lane users. With no forecourt being provided parking in the lane in front of the garages would obstruct the lane.Taking all of the above into account the proposals are unacceptable due to access constraints and possible safety concerns for other lane users.'
The prejudicing of road safety featured in the Planning Department's reasons for refusing the application, but other (inelegantly phrased) reasons were also cited:
'The proposals are contrary to the Edinburgh City Local Plan Policies Env 3, Env 4, Env 6 and to the Non-Statutory on 'Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas' and 'Movement and Development' as the grages will prejudice the unique architectural and historic of the listed buildings and their setting adversely affect the special character and appearance of the New Town Conservation Area and prejudicing road safety.'
Locals opposed to the controversial retrospective application for development of a studio dwelling on this part of the lane (Breaking news, 28.5.13) will read this report with interest, and wonder whether similar reasonings may be applied again.
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In pre-application discussions, a Planning officer advised the applicant to demonstrate that neighbours’ daylight would be no worse and that city-centre provisions could be made with the City Car Club.
The photograph above shows this morning's sunshine pouring onto the rear of the Stafford Centre. Just out of shot is the Centre's ground-floor, outdoor seating-area.
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As reported in Breaking news (16.4.13), Format Design argued valiantly in a Supporting Statement that the 3-storey, 21-bedroom development would 'enhance the setting of the listed building and ... contribute positively to the conservation area'. It would also, of course, represent 'a significant improvement for the hotel business' of the Albany Hotel by improving its 'viability and profitability'.
Neighbouring residents and the New Town and Broughton Community Council had objected on grounds of adverse impact upon the: special architectural and historic interest of the listed buildings and their setting; special character and appearance of the conservation area; unique qualities of the World Heritage Site.
Planning officials refused permission because: 'The proposals are contrary to the development plan and to the non-statutory planning guidelines and are unacceptable.'
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Moleta Munro Ltd – the Jeffrey Street designer furniture, posh lighting, swanky accessories and high-end lifestyle store – has withdrawn its application to use the commercial units at 43-6 London Street to provide an office and showroom (Ref. 13/01542/CLP).
The space was last used by the Cairn Housing Association, and MM initially sought a certificate from the Council authorising mixed (50:50) office and retail use (i.e. Class 1 Retail).
The reason for MM's change of tack is not clear. The change in use seemed likely to have minimal impact. Perhaps they'll be back.
