Plans to bring Europe’s ‘biggest bouncy castle to Edinburgh deflated

Plans to inflate “the largest bouncy castle in Europe” in an empty industrial unit have been blocked by councillors after concerns were raised over parking.

The city council’s development management sub-committee backed planning officers’ recommendations that the Bounce About proposals be refused. The application for an empty unit on Huly Hill Road in the Newbridge area of the Capital were rejected, despite receiving 57 public letters or support and no objections.

If plans had been approved, a children’s soft play area would have contained a “one-piece bouncy castle approximately 20,000 square feet of pure family fun”. The developers claimed it would be the largest bouncy castle in Europe. The yard at the rear of the premises would have been used as car parking.

The application for the unit on Huly Hill Road was to contain the biggest bouncy castle in Europe

In a planning statement, the applicant said: “The building is owned by Shell UK, it has remained empty for almost 18 months. The building has also been refurbished and they are still unable to find a tenant.

“Across the Newhouse area there are multiple buildings available for rent. Over 15 properties in the area are available. We viewed over 10 locations before selecting 4 Huly Hill Rd.

“The yard located at the rear of the building is in a perfect position to provide additional parking. The local area is also supported by excellent local public transport.”

But planning officers disputed the alleged public transport links and recommended it be refused.