Drum Property Group have appealed against the decision to refuse their planning application for a demolition and rebuilding of a two storey block on Leith Walk.
Save Leith Walk the campaign which claimed victory when the planning application was refused has expressed surprise at the news. The rejection by the planning committee was a unanimous decision last January.
The council listed eight separate reasons why the proposals breached planning regulations including that ‘the red sandstone building makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area and the design of the proposed replacement building does not outweigh the loss of the existing building.’
This decision, built on advice provided to the council by Historic Environment Scotland, recognises that the building makes a “positive contribution” as “the low and long scale makes it a distinctive building along Leith Walk and it is of some interest in the streetscape.”
A spokesperson for Save Leith Walk said, “We are very surprised that Drum Property continue to pursue its attempt to demolish this valuable building and rob Leith of much-needed businesses and jobs. We know how disappointed people across Edinburgh will be. The developers have consistently ignored the views and aspirations of local people and their elected representatives from all political parties.
“Historic Environment Scotland recognise the building’s value. The Cockburn Association recognise its worth. Edinburgh Council Planning Committee recognise its worth. We fully expect the Scottish Reporter to also recognise the worth of this building.”
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