Paul di Resta's plans for roof terrace on Edinburgh New Town property vetoed in appeal

MOTOR racing driver Paul di Resta has been told he cannot add a roof terrace to his prestigious £1.8 million New Town property.

Paul di Resta is understood to have paid £1.8m for the New Town property

The former F1 star already has permission to covert the five-storey A-listed Georgian townhouse in Ainslie Place from offices into a luxury home.

But the city council rejected his proposal for a roof terrace with decking, a glass balustrade, seating areas and lighting, saying it failed to preserve the character and setting of the listed building. And Mr di Resta’s appeal against the decision has now been thrown out by a Scottish Government planning reporter.

A letter from Mr di Resta’s lawyers argued the proposed change to the roof structure was modest and would have no impact on the wider character of the building.

"It is not an unsympathetic addition as it would be located on an already flat section of roof. It, therefore, respects the original roofscape of the building. It would not affect the existing roofline and would be screened from public view by it.”

But reporter Elspeth Cook ruled the roof terrace should not be allowed and also rejected a plea for the installation of double doors in the curved wall of the main room on the ground floor.

She said: "These works would fail to preserve the architectural and historic interest of this Category A listed building and in addition the glass balustrade where it projects above the ridge line of the roof would not preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the New Town Conservation area.”

Mr Di Resta bought the property, which dates back to 1822, earlier this year.

His plans for the rest of the house include a kitchen, drawing room, cellar, plant room and three bedrooms on the basement floor and a second kitchen, a dining room and garden room on the ground floor.

The first floor will contain a lounge, office and TV room, while the second floor will have another bedroom and master bedroom. On the third floor there will be a lounge and bar and a further two bedrooms.

Mr di Resta now has three years to start the work.

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