The retrospective consent sought by Margiotta's for internally illuminated advertisements outside their Category A-listed 71 Northumberland Street premises has been refused and enforced (Ref. 12/01374/ADV).
Two fascia signs (aluminium boxes with perspex yellow and white lettering) are currently fixed directly to the stonework of the Northumberland Street façade, with another attached to the Howe Street frontage.
However, the Council found that the signs breached various New Town Conservation Area rules and guidelines, and argued that their being 'clumsily positioned upon a particularly prominent corner property and [interfering] with the original architectural detailing' detracted from the character of the building and the visual amenity of the area.
The Cockburn Association had earlier 'strongly objected' along similar lines.
Meanwhile, local heritage buffs who enjoy architecturally appropriate bright orange in combination with historic properties can feast their eyes on a local shop across the street.
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An application to convert the mews garage at 5 Canon Lane into a dwelling house with home office has been granted (Ref. 12/01286/FUL) , on condition that the roof pitch at the front is angled to match that of adjacent properties at Nos 3 and 6.
It was also stipulated that rooflights should meet conservation standards, and that all 'rainwater goods' be made of cast iron. Presumably, pragmatic officials are in favour of heavy precipitation.
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The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has won consent to replace paving outside the Terrace Café and to erect new fabric awnings and canapés (Ref. 12/01402/FUL).
Planning offcials considered that the proposals would 'make a more coherent use of the space and allow for better circulation to the wider garden area'.
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Owners of the substantial townhouse at 21 Northumberland Street have sought permission to subdivide it into two properties: one in the basement, and one at ground-floor, first and second floor-levels (Ref. 12/01877/LBC).
They also propose a single-storey glazed extension at the back, and various other internal alterations and refurbishment.
To those readers with low domestic disturbance thresholds, this project may sound like hell. Fortunately for these entrepid householders, they have alternative accommodation in an East Lothian castle.