Bank to move into former Edinburgh New Town post office after alterations approved

Santander Bank is set to move into a former Edinburgh New Town post office after planned alterations at the Frederick Street unit were approved by the council.

TSB PLC, part of the Santander group, submitted plans in June to fit-out the currently vacant commercial unit at 40 Frederick Street, to refurbish and repair the shop frontage and replace the existing aluminium framed windows.

The plans for a new Santander Workcafé banking branch were accepted by the council’s planning department on September 14, despite an objection from The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland.

This former post office on Frederick Street is set to become a bank branch, after alterations plans were accepted by the council. | aha ltd

The changes relate principally to the replacement of the shop front glazing, introduction of an access ramp from the street into the unit, and the full refurbishment of the frontage including tile cladding to the panels below the existing window sills, and new signage.

In the planning documents, the applicant said: “We hope to improve the access from the street into the new branch to enable all customers to use the new facility. The basement will be used for staff only and is not currently accessible to the public.”

The plans show that the unit would be reconfigured internally on the ground floor to operate as a bank branch, while the basement level will remain as it is.

Approving the plans, the council’s chief planning officer David Givan said: “The proposals would not harm the character of the listed building or its setting.

“The replacement of the shopfront glazing with new aluminium framed glazing is acceptable. The existing shopfront including the fascia and timber pilasters are to be painted black and this is an acceptable muted colour.

“The proposed new aluminium framed sliding entrance door, new shutter and the proposed internal ramp formed within the recessed door are acceptable and would not harm the character of the listed building.

“The proposed signage is of an acceptable design in the context of the listed building. The internal alterations to fit-out the unit are acceptable as the building has been modernised internally at ground and basement level.

“The proposals have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building and its setting and will not adversely impact on its special architectural and historic interest. The proposals will preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.

“There are no material considerations that outweigh this conclusion.”

The plans show how the frontage of the new bank branch on Frederick Street will look. | aha ltd

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In its letter objecting to the plans, The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland raised concerns about new fixings, the Santander sign, the proposed bush hammered porcelain tiles, the mesh balustrade across the pavement, and the proposed new access for people with disabilities.

The orgnasiation added: “We are placing our objections as the work associated with the new use of 40 Frederick Street should preserve or enhance the New Town Conservation Area and respect the character of the listed building of which this is a part and the current proposals fail to do this.”

No conditions were attached to consent, however, the applicant has three years to begin work at 40 Frederick Street.

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