Hotel compromise set to turn back waves of beach protest

Published on Monday 6 October 2008 09:55

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a five-storey hotel extension on South Queensferry beach have been put on ice following a surprise offer to let hotel bosses buy out their neighbours instead.

Locals were outraged after the Orocco Pier hotel was granted permission to build an extension on South Queensferry beach front, claiming the plan would spoil the area.

A petition, signed by 700 people, including bestselling author Iain Banks, was submitted to the City Chambers but councillors gave the scheme the go ahead.

Campaigners turned to Lothians MSPs Margo MacDonald and Shirley Anne Somerville for help and they sparked an investigation by the ombudsman.

However, the dispute could now be settled after the hotel returned with a revised plan made possible by an offer from the elderly owners of the neighbouring Enable charity shop.

Orocco director Peter Wilson said: "The owners are in their 70s now and they've done so much for the local community from that one shop.

"They have decided it's time to retire, and they asked us if we'd like to buy the property.

"We already own three out of the four properties on that block, so this addition will hopefully give us extra room to expand."

Orocco Pier managers are now hoping city planners will approve their change of use application, which is currently being prepared.

But the five-storey development could still go ahead if planners reject the new application.

Mr Wilson added: "We have, for many years, been hoping to give our guests more room to stretch out, but previously the only way we could go was out into the beach. If the council give us the go ahead to move into the property next door, we will then go back with a second proposal for a much smaller extension at the back.

"We've spoken to the protesters about this and they're happy with the revised plans.

"However, should the councillors reject the change of use we'll will go back to original plans."

Campaigners opposed to the five-storey extension welcomed the news today. Bruce Whitehead, who is leading the campaign, said: "We are delighted that a more suitable plan appears to be on the horizon.

"We have always said we were not opposed to any plan which followed heritage protection guidelines and did not contravene planning and development policy.

"We look forward to early sight of the new proposals and to being fully involved in the planning process this time.

"It was lack of consultation with nearby residents which bred opposition to the previous plan and we hope to work with the developer this time around."