Christmas market and fairground at East Princes Street Gardens, New Town, Edinburgh

“The application is for the installation of Edinburgh's Christmas 2024 including Christmas market stalls, fairground rides, light installation, associated site infrastructure, stores and ancillary facilities. Permission is sought for a three year period from 27 October 2025 to 18 January 2026, which is inclusive of the set up and take down periods.”

“The proposals within East Princes Street Gardens include the following: − Market stalls − Fairground rides including the Big Wheel − Light installation/ illuminated walking trail − Ancillary site office stores and facilities.”

“The site forms part of East Princes Street Gardens (EPSG) comprising parts of the top tier of the gardens and extends to include the paved hardstanding of the Mound Plaza and the walkway which enters EPSG from Waverley Bridge/Market Street. Waverley Bridge lies to the east of the site whilst the Royal Scottish Academy lies directly to the west. Princes Street provides a boundary to the northern section of the site.”

“The application site has numerous significant designations, as follows: − Old and New Towns World Heritage Site − The northern section of the site lies within the New Town Conservation Area and the southern section which encompasses the walkway lies within the Old Town Conservation Area − Historic Garden and Designed Landscape: New Town Gardens and Dean − Special Landscape Area: Princes Street Gardens; and − Local Nature Conservation Site.”

“24/04436/FUL East Princes Street Gardens Princes Street Edinburgh Installation of Edinburgh's Christmas 2024 at East Princes Street Gardens and The Mound precinct including Christmas market stalls, fairground rides, associated site infrastructure, illuminations and ancillary facilities. Granted 6 November 2024”

“The site has existing consent which was granted on 6 November 2024 for a recurring 3 year period. An additional application has also been made for West Princes Street Gardens.”

“With reference to the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 the proposal would result in minor harm to the setting of neighbouring listed buildings for the temporary period of time in which the development would exist on site.”

“In considering the additional structures proposed within the lower lawn the proposals are considered to have an adverse impact on the Historic Gardens and Designed Landscape. The introduction of structures within this area is considered to have an adverse impact on the setting of this important feature contrary to LDP Policy ENV 15: Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes and NPF 4 Policy 7: Historic Assets and Places.”

“NAME: Historic Environment Scotland COMMENT: No comments on the proposals. DATE: 13 October 2025”

“NAME: Parks and Greenspace COMMENT: Any proposals should not exceed the footprint for 2024 on the lower lawn. DATE: 15 October 2025”

“25/04656/FUL – Report by the Chief Planning Officer To REFUSE planning permission for the reasons set out in section C of the report by the Chief Planning Officer.”

“The additional structures proposed within the lower lawn are considered to have an adverse impact on the Historic Gardens and Designed Landscape. The introduction of structures within this area is considered to have an adverse impact on the setting of this important feature contrary to LDP Policy ENV 15: Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes and NPF 4 Policy 7: Historic Assets and Places.”