Edinburgh councillors unanimously approve serviced apartments despite dozens of objections
Councillors unanimously agreed to approve the plans, despite dozens of objections from locals who called for affordable housing rather than holiday lets.
Leith development plans with 40 objections have been greenlit by councillors.
Developers were today granted permission to convert several properties near the tram line into a 35-unit serviced apartment complex with retail space.
Councillors discussed the plans at the Development Management Sub-Committee meeting on Wednesday, November 4.
Convener and Labour councillor Hal Osler called it “unfortunate” the buildings would not be used for residential housing but emphasised the site was “derelict” and “we are better off having something rather than nothing”.
The decision comes after approved plans for a near-identical physical development – but for residential housing – fell through. Locals, neighbours, and a Leith Links Community Council member were among objectors to the current plans.
The sites are located at 111-115 Constitution Street and 18-25 John’s Lane. The buildings – which are in “poor condition”, according to officers – now appear to be used for industrial purposes and storage. Plans will see 115 Constitution Street demolished with other structures converted into apartments.
Greens councillor Alex Staniforth said: “I don’t particularly like this application when compared to using that space for residences but I don’t see a planning reason to refuse it. There doesn’t seem to be anything inherently in it that is against policy.”
Convener Osler added that the site was challenging to develop and the current plans could lead to residential use in the future. She said: “Something there developed is better than something there in a state of disrepair.”
Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan raised concerns about the effect on the historic area. The SNP councillor referenced “important listed buildings” nearby and questioned whether proposed metal cladding was “in keeping” with character.
An officer explained the planning permission in place had already included the cladding. He added: “There are metal roofs across Edinburgh. They aren’t particularly common but they do exist.”
Councillors unanimously agreed to approve the plans along with an application to carry out demolition in the conservation area.
Locals submitted dozens of objections to the plans, many of which called for affordable housing rather than “holiday lets”.
One member of the Leith Links Community Council “strongly” objected, saying it would contribute to “intensification” of non-residential housing in the area.
Their objection stated: “The Council must properly consider the extent and nature of non-residential uses within the immediate vicinity.
“I personally live in a terrace of 13 properties where almost half of the houses now form parts of hotels, with one of those properties having been residential as recently as 2016.”
A neighbour commented: “Our community is already full of holiday lets, we need more affordable housing for people who live here.”
The council report states that “preferences for uses that are not being applied” – such as residential flats – are considered “non-material” complaints, which officials cannot take into account when making a planning decision.