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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sian Traynor

Fresh Edinburgh office plans after raging residents object to multi-storey block

Controversial plans for the redevelopment of a prominent city centre site could still go ahead after proposals were amended last month.

Initially submitted to the council in 2021, an application had been made to demolish the current Rosebery House next to Haymarket station, and build a larger more modern replacement.

Put forward by Aviva Life and Pensions, the idea had proved a sticking point for local residents, who were outraged at the suggested height and scale of the new eight-storey building.

READ MORE - Edinburgh firefighters race to building site after digger bursts into flames

Reviewed by officials from both Historic Environment Scotland and other official bodies, concerns had also been made about the buildings visual impact on the station itself.

Choosing to defer the plans before a final decision was made, developers have now submitted a series of revised plans, which are intended to “address concerns raised in relation to height and massing.”

The current Rosebery House, Edinburgh (Google)

A revised planning statement added: “The revised scheme is considered to provide an appropriate response in the context of the changing nature of the Haymarket Area and the needs and demands of Edinburgh as a key commercial centre.

"It should be acknowledged that there is significant change evident through the emerging context of the Haymarket area since the original planning application was submitted. Construction of the Haymarket development has been moving on apace with the scale and massing of the office blocks now evident.”

Earlier this year, the proposals had received over 180 objections, with many describing the plans as “brutal” and “disruptive”. One objection stated:

“As a customer of a local gift shop at Haymarket opposite the proposed new development I wish to submit my strong objection. This will block out light to shops opposite, tower over the buildings opposite.

"Will create havoc to local businesses during a lengthy construction period and create further congestion in an area already congested.”

With the plans now available again to comment on, local residents have been advised to submit their opinions on the planning portal here.

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