Plans to demolish Edinburgh high street shops for new apartments to be granted

Plans to demolish two shops on a busy Edinburgh high street for a new five-storey development consisting of flats and a commercial unit are set to be given the go-ahead next week.

In November, we reported how a planning application was submitted to Edinburgh Council for 11 new flats, two with external balconies, and a ground floor commercial unit on Portobello High Street.

With a varied response from locals, the proposals have been recommended for approval by planning officers which will see the site, at 120-124, demolished and re-built to a higher specification.

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An application was also submitted for the proposed demolition in a conservation area - which is also being recommended for approval.

The site currently consists of two single-storey retail units on a corner plot at the junction with Beach Lane. A narrow alley runs between the two buildings providing access to the rear of 124 Portobello High Street.

The applicant - Honea Ltd - is seeking to erect a five-storey building with the fifth storey incorporating a mansard style roof and set back from the front elevation to include a small terrace for each of the two apartments on the top floor.

The development will provide eleven apartments, including a mix of three one bedroom, four two-bedroom and four three-bedroom apartments. Access to dwellings is proposed via a communal entrance onto Beach Lane.

A lift and stairwell will provide access to upper floors and the building will be fully accessible. A new footpath is also proposed to be formed along the eastern side of Beach Lane, which is currently served by a footpath on its western side only. A commercial unit with 100sq m of retail space will be provided at ground floor level.

A landscaped area of open space is proposed to the rear of the building which will provide a shared area of private garden ground for residents. Green roofs are proposed on the building and cycle parking is proposed at ground floor level and will be accessible via a direct entrance onto Beach Lane, and a second entrance via the rear garden ground.

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Summarising their decision to recommend the development be approved, planning officers say the proposals will preserve the setting of nearby buildings and enhance the character of the conservation area. They also agree the project will deliver a sustainable and well-designed scheme as well as having no adverse effect on the amenity of existing nearby residents.

Planners wrote: "The proposed development is in accordance with the development plan. This proposal will deliver residential dwellings and retail development in Portobello Town Centre. The proposals are acceptable in terms of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.

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"Flood and drainage proposals are acceptable. Parking proposals are acceptable. Other material considerations support the presumption to grant planning permission. Subject to recommended conditions and informatives, the proposal is acceptable and complies with National Planning Framework 4 and the aims of the 2016 Edinburgh Local Development Plan, as well as the Council's non-statutory Edinburgh Design Guidance and the Guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas."

A final decision will be made by councillors during next week's Development Management Sub Committee meeting.