Edinburgh Council looks set to reject plans for a new High Street restaurant that had a community split.
Hundreds of locals pitched in with their views on the planning application, both in favour and against, the plans to create the new restaurant at 211A Portobello High Street.
The site is currently a shop but the developer wants to create a new restaurant at the site, capable of sitting 20 people inside, and seating another four customers at a space outdoors.
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Mr Mark Denholm was behind the planning application but from the planning documents it is unclear who the proprietor of the new restaurant would have been.
Many locals welcomed the new restaurant and said it would add tot he new vibe in Portobello.
One said: “Spent most my life living across from this location and still spend a lot of time in Portobello. Would be great to see a restaurant in this area as always felt it’s something the area has been missing. As was the opinion of many locals I interacted with.”
But others worried over the impact to the local conservation spot.
One parent wrote: “It is not stated what times this business aims to be open but I have small children whose bedrooms would be impacted by noise and smells of cigarette smoke from external seating, especially if it is a late opening venue.
“There is also no area for parking/loading/refuse collection which has already resulted in vehicles working on the property in parking on double yellow lines and on the pavement itself.
"Should this go ahead there is a distinct possibility that this will continue due to the location having no nearby parking.”
A recommendation on a planning report to Edinburgh Council’s development committee recommended the plans be refused.
The report says that it would have a “detrimental effect” on the lives of local residents.
It states: “The proposals would fail to preserve the character and appearance of Portobello conservation area.
“The height of the flue and its positioning on the building would have a materially detrimental effect on the living conditions of nearby residents. Furthermore, the proposal does not comply with the relevant SPP - sustainable development principles. There are no other material considerations which outweigh this conclusion.”
Councillors will make a final decision at when the Development Management Sub Committee meet on Wednesday January 26.
