A retrospective application for change of use to turn a consented garage into a studio dwelling on Scotland Street Lane East (behind 8 Bellevue Crescent) attracted a staggering 47 objections from disgruntled neighbours, the New Town & Broughton Community Council and Drummond Civic Association (Ref. 13/01863/FUL).
City Planners refused consent on 15 August, finding that the proposal did not 'comply with the local plan or non-statutory guidance as the change of use of the garage to a dwelling is not in character with the conservation area, does not provide an adequate level of amenity and is not compatible with the nearby uses'.
It is safe to say nearby residents were less than thrilled by the proposal. Words they used in their thunderous objections included: backdoor housing development, completely contrary, eyesores, false, flagrant disregard, monstrosities, nuisance, ugly, and unscrupulous. There was widespread concern, too, that if successful the application – and the convoluted means by which a new dwelling had come about (Breaking news, 28.5.13) – would open the floodgates to similar developments here and in other leafy backwaters throughout the World Heritage Site.
Environmental and Transport officials raised no concerns about the building (which had earlier been approved for use as a garage).
However, Planning officers were concerned that residential use of the property in a back lane (rather than mews lane) in the conservation area would be out of character.
Furthermore, they found that the studio (at 22.5 square metres) was well below the 36 square metres outlined in Edinburgh Design Guidance.
Officers also noted and addressed a matter of principle raised by the NTBCC: 'approval would condone an illegal activity on the site'.
The unsuccessful applicant, Mr D. Ferrigan of Craigcrook Road, now has until mid-November to lodge an appeal with Scottish Ministers.
The full report is available as a pdf at the foot of this page.
