The Glasgow-based Iona Pub Partnership (which runs the 5-storey GHQ at 4 Picardy Place) seeks to erect a security fence on Broughton Street (Ref. 11/02616/FUL).
No site-plans, elevations or other helpful details are currently available online, but documents at E. Market St detail a galvanised welded steel security fence measuring 50 x 50 x 3mm and painted black to match existing railings.
The fence is destined for near the corner of Broughton Street Lane, where a steep flight of steps leads down to an outdoor basement area containing plant and a bricked-up door. The aim is clearly not to prevent entry to GHQ. The intention is more likely to block access for rough-sleepers who, in recent years, have found a warm, dry and discreet shelter here from the elements and troublemakers.
Iona Pub Partnership's agents have already discussed the proposal in pre-application consultations with City Centre Neighbourhood Manager Mike Penny and Edinburgh World Heritage Director Adam Wilkinson.
******
The Royal Botanic Garden has been granted permission to remove 8 canopies from the John Hope Gateway on Inverleith Row and replace them with a one-storey extension in glass and larch (Ref. 11/02142/FUL).
Stockbridge and Inverleith Community Council objected on the grounds that removing the canopies was unacceptable, and others made 'non-material' objections to the commercial purpose of the development.
However, City Planners found that the extension was in keeping with the design of the existing building, and would have no detrimental impact on the surrounding area.
How long before the rest of the Botanic Garden – which wastes acre upon acre of prime real estate close to the city centre – is parcelled off and converted into a less financially burdensome retail park?