The Royal British Legion Scotland has applied for permission to attach a 90 x 60cms non-illuminated, blue plastic noticeboard to its premises at 33 Rodney Street (Ref. 10/02784/ADV).
The noticeboard would advertise opening hours and activities – bingo, live music, singing and dancing – and welcome new members and visitors.
We hope this is a sign of renewed confidence and purpose at the recently troubled Central Branch/Club (Issue 186).
A Planning officer has already expressed in writing an opinion that the colour (matching existing signage) would be acceptable, and that the addition (to the left of the window above the cyclist's head in photo) would not clutter the front elevation.
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Mr Osman Simsek has been refused permission to convert the use of his property at 3 Elm Row from a sandwich shop with reheat and microwave facility to a hot-food takeaway (Ref. 10/01688/FUL).
Reasons for the Council's decision are not immediately obvious from their website, but it seems likely that their interpretation of the Edinburgh City Local Plan 2010 differs from Mr Simsek's, specifically in relation to Ret. 9 concerning changing a shop to a non-shop use.
An interesting statement in support of the application, outlining problems faced by a variety of businesses which have tried and failed to operate there in recent years, is available by clicking page 7 here.
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Listed Building Consent has (finally) been granted for the conversion of a public house and hotel at 27 Inverleith Row to form two new townhouses and two apartments (Ref. 09/01670/LBC).
Historic Scotland raised no objections to Hawick-based Ewes Developments Ltd's plans for the former Botanic House Hotel (and before that, Marina Hotel).
However, to safeguard the character of the B-listed building, as conditions of planning permission City Planners insisted in September 2009 that: the thickness of the sub-dividing wall on the first floor between stair and living room should not to be increased; all cornices should remain intact; and that all new and replacement windows should be single-glazed.
They also insisted on approving a method statement showing the proposed method of dismantling and reinstating the entry portico with its fluted Ionic columns before work could begin on site.
A brochure showing the completed work is online at the website of estate agents DJ Alexander (click on the pdf below). Whilst mentioning many of the charming period details, it does not draw special attention to the charming single-glazed windows.