Planning permission is sought to change the use of the B-listed 10-guestroom, ground and basement-level guest house at 79–81 Dundas Street to a private dwelling (Ref. 14/00024/FUL).
Appallingly nosey readers may take a tour of the Walton Hotel – refurbished in 2011 – here.
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Logie Mill-based company Merefern Ltd seeks planning consent to convert the former library annexe/office/vacant shop unit at 9–11 George IV Bridge into an 850 sq.m bistro/bar restaurant (Ref. 13/05221/FUL).The property occupies a precipitous site overlooking the Cowgate, and floor plans reveal a number of interesting voids at lower ground level.
The man behind Merefern is Antonio Crolla, we think the same Antonio Crolla behind Vittoria's Restaurant on Brunswick Street.
The George IV Bridge premises formerly housed the Central Library's Children and Music Departments. Their sale was discussed during at least two Council meetings last summer, from both of which the public was excluded.
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They argue that the business has already run continuously for more than ten years on its Class 1 (Retail) licence.
In fact, they attest, it has run as a commercial kitchen/café/takeaway for over 35 years, and they have landlord letters, customer depositions, architect's drawings and Council hygiene inspection reports to prove it.
Appetite Direct is one of Spurtle's favourite businesses in the area, and we wish them success in tidying up the paperwork.
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We’re not sure what – if anything – this proves, but there were no new planning applications of any sort in Leith Walk or Leith wards last week.