Plans approved to turn Edinburgh offices into 14 serviced apartments at McDonald Road despite objection
Local business highlighted potential issues with plans
Plans have been approved to turn Edinburgh offices into 14 serviced apartments, despite an objection from a neighbouring business.
Proposals submitted in February by Tri Scotland Ltd to transform 125 McDonald Road were approved on June 9 by the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning department.
The Broughton building will be transformed internally to form 14 self-contained one-bedroom apartments consisting of an open plan lounge bedroom and kitchenette area with an internal shower room.
In the planning documents, the applicant said: “The existing car park at the rear of the building will be retained for use with the new serviced apartments, there are nine parking spaces which would allow parking for the apartments and for the manager.
“A small area for bin storage and bicycle storage will be utilised within the existing parking area.”
External alterations include dropping a window sill on the front elevation in order to create a door. It is also proposed that an existing door to the western side of the front elevation will be built up into a window, re-using the stone from the dropped window sill.
At the rear of the building, the erection of a vertical timber slatted enclosure for refuse storage and four secure cycle spaces in the form of bike lockers has also been approved.
Approving the plans, the council’s chief planning officer David Givan said: “The change of use of offices to 14 serviced apartments for short term letting use will not have a materially detrimental effect on the living conditions of nearby residents or an unacceptable impact on the character of the area.
“The proposal does not raise any issues in respect of design, cycle parking or infrastructure contributions and complies with planning policies.”
The proposals received one objection, from neighbouring McDonald Road business Ironside Farrar Ltd.
It highlighted the proposals’ potential negative impact on neighbouring amenity, including residential properties and neighbouring business and employment uses, as well as the proposals showing no on-site management for the apartments.
The property comprises a two-storey office building featuring a red sandstone façade fronting onto McDonald Road. The main entrance is located within the rear courtyard, which is accessed via a pend through the neighboring office building. Additional access and gated entry are also available directly from McDonald Road.
Ironside also raised concerns that refuse service vehicles may damage the pend and cannot manoeuvre safely within the pend.
Tri Scotland Ltd now has three years to begin works to transform 125 McDonald Road from an office block into serviced apartments.
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