PLANNING UPDATE – 4.10.10

Submitted by Editor on Wed, 06/10/2010 - 09:48

Another quiet week on the Planning Front.

The Conan Doyle pub's application (Breaking news 18.8.10) to repaint the frontage, erect a new sign and window boxes, and install plant at 71–3 York Place has been granted (Ref. 10/02269/FUL) on condition that a vent to the rear is painted to match stonework, noise and vibration does not disturb neighbours, and cooking effluvia are ducted through a filtration system to prevent the escape of odours. We shall miss the smell of hot chip oil on our way up Cathedral Lane.

Historic Scotland expressed reservations about the possible removal of a fanlight and the erection of additional exterior plant to the rear.

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The Cameron Guesthouse Group (CGG) has applied for permission for a change of use at 38 York Place from offices to form a hotel, create a licensed bar for guest and public use, roof alterations to the rear, and facade alterations to Dublin Street Lane (Ref. 10/02678/FUL).

This is the latest move in what some see as a severe case of the sherbet dip dabs: CGG has put in plans for this property, only to withdraw them again shortly afterwards, on at least two occasions since September 2009.

A recurring issue appears to involve whether or not to provide hot food from a full kitchen, leading to speculation about exactly what kind of city-centre hotel is envisaged. See Breaking news (1.9.09, 1.5.10, 16.8.10, 1.9.10, 20.9.10).

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Permission has been granted to form garden and lower ground, ground, first and second floor flats at 18 Albany Street (Ref. 09/01830/LBC). This is a different application to that granted for 19 Albany Street last week (see Breaking news 22.9.10), although both buildings are owned by Castle Street-based Wemyss Properties Limited.

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