Scottish Government accused of putting commerce before communities by allowing Edinburgh floating hotel

The five "boatels" will be moored outside Boroughmuir High School

AN MSP has accused the Scottish Government of putting commerce before communities by giving the go-ahead for a floating hotel on the Union Canal at Fountainbridge despite local opposition.

Labour’s Sarah Boyack challenged Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart over the decision to overturn the city council’s refusal of planning permission for five “boatels” to be moored outside Boroughmuir High School.

Council planning officials had recommended approval of the plan by the Edinburgh Boatel company for the £120,000 vessels, modelled on Scandinavian narrow boats.

But when councillors debated the application in April they refused it, citing environmental concerns, objections from residents and school access needs.

Ms Boyack said the company’s successful appeal had blocked access for pupils and ended their plans for a newly-formed canoe club.

Mr Stewart said the planning reporter had to decide the appeal in accordance with the development plan for the area.

“The reporter found that the proposed development accorded overall with the relevant provisions of the development plan, and there were no material considerations which would have justified refusal of planning permission.”

Ms Boyack said it was a “disappointing” response.

“It is deeply concerning that the views of councillors and communities have been overruled. The minister says there were no material considerations to justify refusal of the application, but surely the concerns of over 350 residents requires some acknowledgement?

“This decision flies directly in the face of Edinburgh council’s decision to prioritise community, and whether the minister likes it or not, the worries of Edinburgh communities must be heard and recognised.

“Constituents have directly voiced their concerns to me, and these views should not be dismissed in the stampede to commercialise our waterways.

“This is key green infrastructure in the heart of our communities. Pupils at Boroughmuir will be let down with another example of commerce being prioritised over communities in our capital city.”

And she said the government decision set a worrying precedent.

“Whilst we welcome tourism, we must be careful not to over-exploit the canal environment.

“Communities are already struggling with the loss of local identity in Edinburgh due to tourism, and there is no desire to see the same thing happen to our waterways. A balance must be struck between local need and revenue generation.”

Ishbel McFarlane, treasurer of the Fountainbridge Canalside Initiative, said: “We are concerned as to how much more of the canal-side will be used in the future for commercial activities such as boatels. Currently everyone has the opportunity to stand canal-side and quietly enjoy the local surroundings.

“Access to a green environment is very important to both physical and mental well-being, and this is a key city centre site which is a very well used public resource. The schoolchildren, in particular, are being let down.”