Edinburgh property: Plans submitted to transform neglected Canonmills car park into four-storey block of flats

Property agents say the plans for Canon Court will ‘provide high quality residential units’

Plans to transform an ‘underutilised’ Edinburgh car park into residential flats and office space have been submitted to the council for consideration this month.

The proposed development at Canonmills is currently used as a private car park by Canon Court Aparthotel, with the 0.085 hectare site housing 43 car parking spaces. The application was submitted by property agents, Colliers, on behalf of Dogma Square Properties and states the project would comprise of nine residential units, an office, cycle parking, bin stores, a plant room and landscaping.

The plans for a four-storey building would see a mixed use ground floor comprising an office block and residential units with one to two bedroom flats occupying the upper three floors. The site would also accommodate on-site cycle storage, a vehicular drop off and pick up zone and an outbuilding for recycling and waste management.

The planned four-storey building would comprise of an office block and nine residential units, with the site accommodating on-site cycle storage, a vehicular drop off and pick up zone and an outbuilding for recycling and waste management. Photo: Colliers

Located just a short walk from the Royal Botanic Gardens and the city centre, and benefiting from good public transport links, the applicant noted ‘the proposal does not include any private car parking’ and in doing so ‘supports the shift away from car dominated developments by promoting sustainable forms of travel while still allowing for accessible access through the remaining site parking.’

Lying within the Inverleith Conservation Area, Colliers say their proposal ‘has been designed with the heritage in mind’ adding ‘the proposed development enhances the currently underutilised area and the appearance of a concrete car park.’ Plans for surrounding landscaping include ‘a mix of groundcover, ferns, grasses and perennials as those would be the best suited for the local ecosystem’ and ‘will also contribute to enhancement of biodiversity.’

Writing in their planning application, Colliers said: “The proposed development would transform the existing car park and its associated carbon emissions, into development with zero carbon energy elements, therefore not impacting the air quality within central Edinburgh. Additionally, as it is within walking distance to the local services as well as the Water of Leith path, this could encourage exercise and well-being for its potential residents.”