A major project at the east end of Princes Street has been granted planning permission.
The application by Barclay's Nominees for 10–14 Princes Street and 16 West Register Street (Ref. 10/02160/FUL) entails change of use of 2nd and 3rd floors from class 4 (office)/class 1 (retail) to class 7 (hotel), and alterations comprising formation of hotel entrance on east elevation, reconfigured windows on north elevation, construction of two additional floors to provide hotel accommodation, replacement of shop fronts to south and east elevations, escape doors and ventilation grills to north elevation, and installation of replacement windows on south and east elevations (as amended).
In approving the proposals, John Bury (Head of Planning) noted that 'The proposals comply with the development plan and non-statutory guidelines and maintain the character of the conservation area and have no adverse effect upon the setting of the listed building or neighbouring amenity'.
Certainly, when architects presented a first draft of the plans for preapplication scrutiny at a public meeting last year, Spurtle team members present were favourably impressed.
The scheme promises to revitalise the economy at this end of the city, to complement existing architectural merits, make better use of the interior, and – if anything – improve an eyesore at the rear.