Plans for a temporary site office in Edinburgh have caused huge controversy after it was found the structure could be in place for three years.
The construction cabins would be erected under plans to support the ongoing works at Haymarket, with the huge new development to include shops, retail and restaurants.
Although works are already taking shape at the 189 Morrison Street site, the smaller planning application to see site accommodation constructed on Distillery Lane has caused a large backlash.
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Receiving over 132 objections from local residents, the two-storey containers would, if approved, have permission to stay in place for three years while construction continues.
A small lane running adjacent to Haymarket Station, the proposal would house site offices, a dining hall for workers, toilets and a changing area.
Painted green, the second floor would be accessed by external staircases, however there would not be any car parking allocated on site.
Although a temporary structure, residents in the surrounding developments issued a strong objection to the additional plans, with one neighbour writing:
“I hereby object to the planning application on the grounds of loss of privacy, noise and smell pollution, loss of natural light, change in appearance of our residential area, effect on traffic flow through and parking in our development.
“As there is pedestrian access from Easter Dalry Wynd to Distillery Lane, it is my concern that personnel using these cabins will be trying to park around our development.”
Another added: “The size and scope of the development has always been of a large and significant scale and appropriate planning for the site compound(s) should have been made at that time and retained within the existing development. Failure of the developers to make adequate provisions for these facilities is very concerning and suggests a flippant attitude to their responsibilities in this regard.”
However, plans have been recommended to be granted, but the final decision will be made by the Development Management Sub Committee, who will review both sides this week.
A review by the committee had found the proposals would not have a serious impact on the area due to its temporary nature, but due to the overwhelming objections, the official decision will be made on Wednesday.
A conclusion from the review read: “The scale, form and design will not have a permanent impact on character of the townscape. No unreasonable impact on neighbouring amenity or transport issues will occur. Acceptable mitigation is proposed to ensure the development will not adversely affect the natural environment.”
