Plans for Edinburgh railway viaduct to become hotel with cafe refused by council
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Plans for an Edinburgh railway viaduct to be transformed into a modern hotel and cafe have been rejected.
In January we reported how Genlo Design submitted proposals to convert the industrial unit on Leith's Gordon Street into a 15-bedroom aparthotel with cafe facilities.
However, council planning officers refused permission this week, saying: "it is not clear adequate amenity levels would be maintained for neighbouring residential properties."
They added how the proposals "fail to adequately show" the required alterations would preserve or enhance the character of the conservation area as not enough information has been provided to reflect this.
The site, at 20 Gordon Street, has been used as a storage and service area having originally been built as part of the Leith Walk train station. At roof level lies the redundant track and platforms levels which is largely overgrown.
The proposals illustrated how the ground floor would house the cafe and include the entrance to 15 apartments above. A new build extension to the rear would have retained the form of an infill railway arch while providing expanded accommodation.
Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages
The upper floor accommodation would also have boasted a rooftop extension with views above the existing track level.
Council officers wrote: "The principle of a 15 bed apart hotel on the site cannot be supported as it is unlikely to accord with other policies in the Development Plan. This is due to the fact that it has not been demonstrated that a 15 bed apart hotel development could take place without physical alterations/extensions to the building.
"Therefore, without this information, there may be an adverse impact on wider coordinated development and the proposals would not preserve the character of the Leith Conservation Area. Due to the constrained nature of the site, the proposal has the potential to constitute overdevelopment for the site as it has not been demonstrated how the development of 15 apart hotel units could be developed.
"There are no material considerations which indicate that the proposals should be granted. Therefore, the proposal is not supported."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Edinburgh Live
18 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Owners of beloved West Lothian family-run Italian retire as new chapter teased
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A well-loved West Lothian Italian is set to close its doors after 13 years serving the Bathgate community. Liberta opened in January 2012 with the restaurant becoming a favourite of local punters in the town. The Liberta family took to social media to make their announcement while they thanked their customers for creating many fantastic memories. They also praised diners for their "support and kindness." In a statement on Facebook, they said: "Dear Friends, Loyal Customers, and Our Wonderful Community, "After over 13 incredible years of serving you, Liberta Restaurant in Bathgate will be closing its doors permanently. Since January 29th, 2012, we've proudly operated as a family-run restaurant, pouring our hearts into every lasagna, calabrese, and garlic bread that made its way to your table. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. "This decision hasn't come easy, but as a family, we've chosen to retire and begin a new chapter in our lives. It's time for some well-earned rest, and to reflect on the wonderful journey we've had. "We know many of you will miss the comfort of our legendary dishes and the warm, welcoming atmosphere we built together. We'll miss it too — the laughs, the milestones shared, and the friendships formed over the years have meant the world to us. "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your unwavering support, kindness, and for being part of our Liberta family. "The premises has now been leased to a new owner, and something exciting is on the way — so stay tuned for what's next! "With love and gratitude, The Liberta Family" Gutted customers flocked to the comments section of the post to their share their thoughts on the announcement. One person said: "So many special nights my family and I have spent at Liberta for all sorts of sometimes just because we NEEDED some of your minestrone, or the lasagne!!! "This is a great loss to Bathgate. Enjoy retirement, it's very much deserved." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox While another added: "Gutted will defo miss you all, best Italian ever, and beautiful family and always the best service and food. All the very best in your retirement hope you's make wonderful memories in your next chapter." Someone else commented: "Devastated. I'll miss sitting out in the sun with a beer and pizza/tagliatelli papalina. If you could send me the recipe for that I'll be forever grateful. All the best to the family in your next venture."
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Leader Live
Swedish giants Ikea makes Cheshire West planning application
On April 1 this year, the worldwide furniture giants confirmed it will be occupying the former Homebase unit at the Greyhound Retail Park. Plans submitted last week are for the installation of three internally-illuminated fascia signs as well as a three non-illuminated flags and an advertisement banner. However, the business said that an opening date is yet-to-be confirmed. A covering letter with the application stated: 'Consent is sought for various new fascia signs which would replace existing signage. 'IKEA have recently acquired several former Homebase units in established retail parks to roll out a new small-format store concept across the UK. 'The new format stores provide the typical, renowned IKEA experience on a small scale.' It added: 'The site is located within the established Greyhound Retail Park, located one mile from the centre of Chester. 'It is home to a wide range of convenience and comparison retail brands including Asda, Boots and Home Bargains. 'The main entrance to the unit faces Greyhound Park Road, with customer car parking surrounding the unit to the north, east and west. 'An external display area for a garden centre is located to the south of the unit, and is enclosed by a three-metre in height fence. 'Four fascia signs prevail on the unit, one on each façade. 'The site is not allocated for any particular use in the Development Plan, nor is it designated as, or located within the setting of, a heritage asset. OTHER NEWS: 'It is within the defined settlement boundary of Chester and within an aerodrome safeguarded area, as is the entirety of the retail park, due to its proximity to Hawarden Airport.' Previously, Ikea said it was looking forward to coming to Chester. Peter Jelkeby, IKEA UK and Ireland chief executive officer, said: 'We know many people want to shop with IKEA but in some instances are just too far away. 'That's why we are strategically expanding our UK footprint, with the aim of showing up in convenient, accessible locations for our customers. 'In Chester we've been looking for the perfect location for many years. 'The site on the Greyhound Retail Park ensures visitors from across Cheshire, North Wales and surrounding areas have more convenient access to a local IKEA store.'
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh set for new burger joint as popular chain expands
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A new burger joint is set to open in Edinburgh as a popular chain expands. Shakedown are launching their second spot in the city, after their first Scottish restaurant opened in Corstorphine back in 2023. The new venue, on Milton Road West, replaces what was Sam's Fry. An opening date for the eatery has not yet been announced. Images show work currently underway at the unit. The chain currently have three eateries in Manchester, one in London, and will soon have two in Edinburgh. Their website reads: "We've been told our burgers are the best in Manchester. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "They come in all shapes and sizes. Beef or chicken, the choice is yours. Our signature Beefed Up! tops the bill (two patties, if you think you're hard and hungry enough). Just add fries. "Room for more? Try our sides – everything from cheesy, fiery Not'cho Nachos and supremely melty Mozzarella Sticks. Seal the deal with one of our notoriously sweet shakes and waffles!"
