Glovart Holdings Ltd has submitted revised plans for its (already consented) development at 1–6 Canonmills Bridge (Ref. 16/3406/FUL).
The variation affects the ground and basement floors. It comprises removing an internal wall to provide a single (larger) commercial unit – probably a shop and/or restaurant.
Instead of three doors at this level, there would now be a single automatic door at the eastern end of the south-facing elevation. ‘This alteration will allow the most efficient use of the floor space within the premises’. Glazing would replace the former doors.
The new door would be reached by a new ramp, stair and glass ballustrade built using materials to match the rest of the building. They would not encroach on the public pavement.
Access to the flats above would now be from the back of the building.
The changes are sought because the currently permitted two-unit design has not proved attractive to potential occupiers.
The development already has permission for Class 1–4 uses. In the Planning Statement, Glovart’s agents state:
The physical reconfiguration of the two proposed units into a single unit will not result in a different use being undertaken to that already operating from the existing building, or that permitted under the existing planning permission. This will not constitute a material change in use from that authorised under the 2013 Planning Permission.
The proposed new single unit would have a gross ground-floor space of 189 sq.m., which would not exceed the 250 sq.m. threshold for out-of-centre retail establishments. The basement would be used for storage, and variations here seem to affect mainly the position of a new stair at the rear for access to the flats above the commercial unit, the position of bin storage and provision of a new bicycle store. Deliveries to the shop would also be at this level via the rear carpark.
Save Canonmills Bridge campaigners are encouraging people to contact the Council with their objections by 2 November.
They say there are four main problems with the latest plans:
- Safety fears over shifting residents’ access to a shared traffic area with no dedicated footway.
- Attracting one large shop or restaurant would be out of keeping with the area, and could badly affect nearby small, independent businesses.
- A large commercial unit would put strain on local transport and parking infrastructure, particularly at the narrow, one-way end of Warriston Road.
- The ramp and steps have a detrimental visual impact, and would be unnecessary if the main entrance were not moved to where the slope is greatest.
Any observations on the proposed new scheme may be made here online.
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