Bank-to-cafe conversion at 206 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh

What was proposed

The application sought to change a bank into a cafe shop with limited cooking and related alterations, with outdoor seating later removed.

“Proposal: Change of use from a bank to a cafe with limited cooking.”

“The application is for the change of use of the site from a bank (class 1A) to a cafe shop (class 3), as well as alterations to enable the use of the site as a cafe.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The site occupies the ground and basement of a five-storey corner tenement, within a listed building, conservation area and primary frontage.

“The application site is the ground and basement floors of a 5-storey corner tenement block, currently in use as a bank, located on the corner of Bruntsfield Place and Montpelier Park.”

“The application site forms part of a category B listed building (198-206 Even nos Bruntsfield Place and 1 and 3 Montpelier Park, ref: LB26763, date: 03/02/1993) and is located within the Marchmont, Meadows and Bruntsfield Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Related applications covered listed-building alterations and advertising, while earlier signage works were granted in January 2023.

“25/02874/LBC 206 Bruntsfield Place Bruntsfield Edinburgh EH10 4DF Alterations to former bank to form new coffee shop with new advertising.”

“22/05937/LBC 206 Bruntsfield Place Edinburgh EH10 4DF External: Removal of old RBS signage and installation of new RBS signage. Installation of new 55" digital screen, external facing. Internal: No works proposed. Granted 16 January 2023”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers found the proposal acceptable in principle, with no harmful design or heritage effects and amenity impacts controlled by condition.

“Conclusion in relation to the Development Plan…”

“The proposal is acceptable in principle, contributing toward the third aim of the Marchmont/Bruntsfield Town Centre Guidance. No negative design or heritage impacts are identified, whilst the proposal will preserve the listed building and the conservation area. Mitigation of potential amenity impacts is to be secured by condition. The proposal complies with the Development Plan.”

Officer report

What people raised

Representations raised concerns about businesses, retail diversity, parking, congestion, amenity, heritage, accessibility, sustainability and pollution.

“Negative impact on local businesses. Addressed in section c). Negative impact on the retail function of the area and the Bruntsfield/Morningside Town Centre. Addressed in section c). Too many coffee shops in the local area, and another coffee shop will further reduce the diversity of the commercial offer of the local area. Addressed in section c). Insufficient motor vehicle parking. Addressed in section c). Negative impact to the character and vibrancy of the area.”

“Lack of alternate exit routes. Location of the disabled toilet. inadequate fire escape route. Insufficient number of toilets. The company that building may be occupied by, and their operations at other locations. Negative impact on other local businesses as they would face greater competition. Preferences for alternative uses of the site. Will result in illegal vehicle parking. Negative amenity impact (construction).”

Officer report

The decision

“Decision 4.6 - 206 Bruntsfield Place, Bruntsfield, Edinburgh Proposal for alterations to former bank to form new coffee shop with new advertising - application no.”

Minutes, 1 Oct 2025