The planning application for 9 apartments, in place of already consented commercial space, within the Baileyfield South development has been withdrawn. Portobello Community Council undertook a consultation on this application and submitted the following objection:

ref: 19/05854/FUL | Form 9 apartments on the upper floors of the commercial building whilst retaining commercial use on ground floor | 17 Fishwives Causeway 8 – 9,10,11,12,25 Baileyfield Crescent Edinburgh

The community council wishes to object to this application for change of use from commercial to nine flats, following a discussion at the meeting held on Monday 27 January 2020. We have also undertaken public consultation, with 93 responses, showing significant objection to the proposal (83.9% strongly object; 9.7% object; 1.1% neutral; 3.2% strongly support; 2.2% support)

The change of use removes any pretence that this is a mixed use development as supported by the North West Portobello Development Brief. It is noted that conditions were attached to the original approval for development with three specifically relevant to the commercial block, namely:

·         6. For the avoidance of doubt, the use of the commercial building as shown on the approved plans shall be restricted to uses contained within Class 2 and Class 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes)(Scotland) Order 1997 only.

·         7. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(Scotland) Order 1992, there shall be no permitted change from the hereby approved commercial building to Class 1 (Shops).

·         8. Prior to the occupation of the 400th unit on site, the commercial/office building as shown on the approved plans will be fully constructed and ready for occupation.

Please find attached comments received as part of our consultation.