Edinburgh shop to be turned into a new restaurant after Leith Walk plans approved despite objections
Plans approved despite locals’ concerns
An Edinburgh shop is set to be turned into a new restaurant after plans for a Polish supermarket unit in Leith were approved by the council.
Mrs S Zafar applied in November for a change of use of class 1 shop to form a class 3 restaurant at 249 - 251 Leith Walk, to replace the Zabka shop.
The application was approved on April 21 by the council’s planning department, despite 10 objections from locals. However, the proposals did receive 21 notes of support on the online planning portal.
Approving the change of use at Leith Walk, the council’s chief planning officer David Givan said: “The surrounding area is characterised by being mixed-use in nature, with residential dwellings and a number of different commercial uses including Class 3 uses in-situ.
“The creation of a Class 3 restaurant would be acceptable in this location in that it would contribute towards this characteristic, enhancing the vitality and vibrancy of the surrounding area.
“The proposed external works would be of a suitable size and scale and these would have a congruous relationship with the host property.
“The proposal is acceptable. There are no material considerations that outweigh this conclusion.”
The plans show that the ATM would be removed from the streetfront of the unit, while most of the front of the unit will be the dining area for the new restaurant, with kitchen and toilet facilities added at the back.
The proposals include twin ventilation ducts to the rear elevation of the unit, terminating above eaves height. The basement level storage and staff toilets will remain. And a new sealed ceiling will be installed over the entire premises.
Among the objectors to the plans was local resident Jim Anderson , who said: “I am concerned that this space is a risk for gas, smoke and fire spread from a high risk commercial unit like a restaurant.”
While, Johanna Bommelin said: “We are already negatively effected by restaurants in the building, including noise, waste in the garden and the commercial properties not engaging in building repairs and cleaning needed.
“The block is over-saturated with restaurants already, there are five food/drink establishments in this block alone and no need for another.”
Among those in support of the plans was Muhammed Arshad, who said: “I read , previously, from council literature, that the long-term plan for the Leith area is to turn it into a continental style area for people to go out for entertainment and food. I think this is a great idea.”
While, Kousar Arif said: “I think a restaurant would be ideal given the size and frontage of the unit. The applicant seems to have addressed any local amenity issues with a noise survey and has reached out to the local community to address any concerns local residents may have.”
Brian Witherspoon added: “I support this application because I feel it would be a great addition to the food landscape of the area.”
The council’s approval of this application includes five conditions, relating to the design, installation and operation of residential air source heat pumps, sound insulation and kitchen ventilation.
While, deliveries and collections, including waste collections, are to be restricted to between 7am-7pm daily.
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