Cambuslang-based Greggs of Scotland seeks permission to fit out an existing unit as a retail bakery at 27 Broughton Street (the former R.S. McColl), and revamp the shopfront with an internally lit fascia sign (Ref. 11/03105/FUL; 11/03246/ADV).
Plans include installation of at least 3 'female commandos' and an insectocutor. Trading hours would be from 8am to 5pm.
Spurtle takes no little pleasure in the impact this development may have on the lunchtime sandwich trade of Tesco on Picardy Place, is glad that any profits will go to a Scottish chain, and hopes that the business may draw increased footfall down into Broughton Street.
However, we worry about yet another blow to the small independents which flourished in this area as recently as two years ago.
(The photo here shows the property following the departure of McColl's, with the premises's former sign revealed. Gordon Souness, a reader assures us, was brother of Liverpool, Rangers and Scotland football legend Graeme Souness.)
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Crolla's at 43 Broughton Street seeks a certificate of lawfulness for its use of a basement as a Class 3 café in breach of a planning condition (Ref. 11/03201/CLE).
The applicant, Mr John McIntyre, claims that the activity began over 10 years ago in May 2001. The property was granted permission to change its use to a café in November 2000.
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Permission has been granted to change the use of 4 short-let flats on a communal stair at 12 York Place into 12 en-suite hotel rooms (Ref. 10/03228/FUL). They would be serviced by the reception and dining facilities at 8 York Place.[img_assist|nid=2244|title=|desc=|link=node|align=right|width=156|height=200]
Explaining its decision, the Planning Subcommittee Report noted:
'Policy Hou 6 (Loss of Housing) of the Edinburgh City Local Plan presumes against the loss of housing except if it is poor quality housing or if there is a community benefit to the new use. As neither of these applies, the proposal is contrary to the development plan.
'Policy Emp 5 (Hotel Development) is supportive of hotels in the Central Area within mixed use schemes. This application is not for a mixed use but would add to the vitality of the central area and help maintain city centre diversity. Hotels assist in generating economic benefit to the city in facilitating tourism and studies indicate that there is a shortage of hotel rooms in the city that needs to be met to address predicted demand. The city centre is a preferred location for most visitors. This application would contribute to the stock of hotel rooms and enhance an existing hotel which serves the local economy. This is a material consideration which provides justification for a departure from policy given that the proposals are contrary to Hou 6 and not overtly supported by Emp 5.
The fact that the flats are currently used as short term lets means that there is no real loss of residential accommodation for city residents.
'Although contrary to policy the proposed use is acceptable in this location.
'... The hotel already has a limited amount of parking space to the rear. There is no proposal to increase the number of parking spaces available and so there will be no increase in the use of the lane to the rear.'
No. 12 York Place sits on the proposed route of the tramline, and the business stands to benefit from this. Transport therefore requested a financial contribution of £35,133. The applicant said this would make his project unviable and offered £5,000 instead, which sum was 'considered acceptable under the circumstances'.
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UPDATE
The following exchanges came in response to coverage of Gregg's imminent arrival on Broughton Street.
Facebook:
David Hill Pity the quality is so dire.
Katie McWilliam Soane Boo in my head this was going to be a juice/smoothie bar. Isn't there a greggs on elm row anyway?
Iain MacPhail If i had some prime steak, would i put it in some ropey pastry and sell it for a knockdown £1 as a steak bake???
Sean Johnstone I'll send one over to show in your shop if you would like?
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