Demolition of office building at 50 Gillespie Crescent, Edinburgh

“The proposal would result in the demolition of a building that makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the Marchmont, Meadows and Bruntsfield Conservation Area. Therefore, the loss of the building would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area. Planning permission has not been granted for a replacement development which enhances or preserves the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

“The proposal is for the demolition of the existing 1 ½ storey office building to facilitate the erection of student accommodation proposed in conterminous planning permission 25/02255/FUL”

“The site is located on the south side of Gillespie Crescent, facing the curve of the crescent of the four-storey Victorian tenement opposite. The site is irregular shaped and comprises an unlisted 1 ½ storey, stone building with slated roof, which dates from around 1925. The building, which is vacant, is last in use as offices.”

“The site is located within the Bruntsfield area of the Marchmont, Meadows & Bruntsfield Conservation Area.”

“On 4 June 2024 the Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) dismissed the appeal by the applicant (DPEA ref.PPA-230-2470) against the failure to issue a decision by City of Edinburgh Council for planning application 23/06623/FUL for the proposed demolition of existing building and erection of purpose-built student accommodation and associated amenity space, landscaping and infrastructure.”

“On 4 June 2024 the Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) dismissed the appeal by the applicant (DPEA ref.CAC-230-208) and refused to grant conservation area consent against the failure to issue a decision by City of Edinburgh Council for conservation area consent application 23/06624/CON for the proposed substantial demolition of the existing building.”

“The building is structurally sound and in relatively good condition. The proposal would result in the loss of a building that makes a positive, albeit not significant, contribution to the character and appearance of the Marchmont, Meadows and Bruntsfield Conservation Area. The loss of the building will have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

“The proposal would result in the loss of a building that makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the Marchmont, Meadows and Bruntsfield Conservation Area. Therefore, the loss of the building would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area. Planning permission has not been granted for a replacement development which enhances or preserves the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

“NAME: Historic Environment Scotland COMMENT: No objection. DATE:”

“NAME: CEC Archaeology Services COMMENT: No objection. A planning condition is recommended. DATE:”

“− Harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area resulting from loss of the building − Loss of historic walls between the site and neighbouring sheltered (Viewpoint) housing association development − loss of embodied energy and carbon cost of demolishing the existing building − existing building is structurally sound and suitable for reuse − Existing building is of architectural and historic interest…”

“− previous objection submitted for scheme 1 still stands − existing building is structurally sound − loss of building of significant architectural and historic interest − alternative uses of the existing building has not been comprehensively explored − carbon cost of demolishing building − new building would not preserve or enhance character and appearance of conservation area − proposal is an over development and its height, scale and design is not in keeping with the…”

“25/02256/CON – 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.”