53-bedroom aparthotel at 16, 18, 20, 22 24 - 26 Forth Street, Edinburgh

“The proposal is for a change of use from existing office space to a 53 bedroomed aparthotel. This includes the partial demolition and extension of the rear annex to number 16 and a new rear extension.”

“Conversion of the buildings and rooms to create a series of apart hotel rooms. This includes the introduction of hotel type facilities such as reception, office, linen store and laundry area. These elements are located mostly within the eastern buildings at numbers 16 and 18. The main entrance to the reception is at 16 Forth Street.”

“The covers approximately 0.2 hectares and comprises six, terraced, two storey and attic former townhouses with an additional basement level dating back to around 1800. There are in office use (Class 4). Although these are operated as a single office complex, the buildings internally are not all physically linked with access taken from each of the main doors. Numbers 24 and 26 are internally linked and operate as a single office.”

“The townhouses are all B listed and split over multiple separate listings (listed 16 May 1966, references LB45950, LB45951, LB45952, LB45953 and LB45954). The adjoining townhouses within the terrace at 12 -14 and 28-30 are also B listed (listed 16 May 1966, LB references LB28775, LB45950 and LB45955).”

“The previous scheme contained 90 bed rooms which has been reduced following alterations to the internal layout.”

“16 + 24 Forth Street - Internal alterations to no.24 and erection of external air conditioning units to nos.24 + 16 Granted 4 December 2002”

“The proposal seeks a number of alterations to existing office buildings which have been altered through the years. There are a number of positive elements proposed alongside changes and interventions that will alter the character and setting of the building to some degree.”

“Likewise on balance, it is considered that the development does not remove or detract from key characteristic components of the conservation area that gives the area its special interest. The design and materials respond to the context of the site. Therefore, the proposals are in accordance with Section 64 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.”

“26/00661/LBC - Report by the Chief Planning Officer To GRANT planning permission subject to the conditions, reasons and informatives as set out in section C of the report by the Chief Planning Officer. 7.1 - 15 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5BH Proposed change of use of existing office building to form a hotel (Class 7) and associated works - Application no.”