Constitution Street B&B proposal refused after objections

View Larger Map

A proposal to convert the Dentists and office building at 57 Constitution Street, into a Bed and Breakfast business has been refused by the planning committee, on the basis that it could cause a loss of amenity to local residents and that parking provision was inadequate. 

There were several stenuous objections to the proposed development including strongly worded ones from the Leith Links Residents Association and Leith Links Community Council.

Despite the developers insistence that the proposed B&B would target tourists, local residents were not convinced. Virtually all the objections lodged with the council cited concerns that the B&B would in fact be used as temporary accomodation for homeless people.

Individuals linked to the developers of the Constitution Street already own a number of other 'guest houses' in the area and have previously been in trouble with the City of Edinburgh council after allegations were made that they cut down protected trees in the grounds of another property near Leith Links.  

As there is a perception that there is a disproportionate amount of privately provided temporary accomodation in Leith, many of those objecting were concerned that these proposals could bring more problems, through anti-social behaviour to the neighbourhood, than they would bring benefits.

It would seem that, in this case, the planners took the side of local residents. 

You can read all the documents relating to this appliction here.