Flats plan for ancient building set to go ahead

Published on Friday 29 August 2008 10:21

A CONTROVERSIAL bid to turn one of Leith's oldest buildings into flats is set to be given the go-ahead by councillors.

Officials have recommended granting planning permission for the drastic overhaul of Lamb's House – the site where Mary, Queen of Scots made her return to Scotland from France in 1561.

The scheme would see the A-listed merchant's house converted to form six apartments.

An adjacent 1960s hall – once used as an old people's day centre – is also proposed for demolition, making way for the construction of a further three flats, an office and car parking.

Applicants EDI Group and The National Trust for Scotland will have to contribute financially to the city if the project is given the go-ahead, including 24,733 towards tram infrastructure and 11,500 towards the City Car Club.

Archaeological investigations will also have to be carried out before work can start on the site.

Alan Henderson, the council's head of planning and strategy, said: "Although the proposal contains some technical shortfalls these are acceptable in the context of maintaining and rebuilding the historic urban grain and finding a new use for the building."

It is thought Lamb's House – a name applied in the 1920s – was built in the late 16th or early 17th century. It lies on the corner of Water Street and Burgess Street, from which it is linked to the Shore.

The building is thought to be one of Leith's oldest, taking centre stage in the conservation area in which it stands.

It has been remodelled many times and in 1961 an extension was built to house an old people's day centre – closing down eight years ago.

Friends of the Earth runs an office from the only occupied section of the building, on the first floor.

The plans are to provide a 160 square metre office, with the nine flats – ranging from one to three bedrooms – and six car parking spaces.

But nine objections have been received by the council since the planning application was advertised in February.

They include possible loss of daylight and privacy in neighbouring properties, arguments over inappropriate designs, inadequate parking and concerns that the building should be developed for public use.

Historian John Arthur said the building would be better used as a heritage centre.

He told the Evening News: "This is a missed opportunity as far as I'm concerned.

"What we need in Leith are things to keep people here and make them want to come in the first place.

"The main source of income in future years for this area will be tourism with all the big liners coming in, but this building is the golden egg and we risk throwing that away."

In a report to be issued to councillors, Mr Henderson accepted that existing flats close to the site will lose daylight, but said it will remain within acceptable limits.

Councillors are recommended to approve the application, subject to material specification, archaeological investigation at the request of experts, landscape details and assurances that pavement widths will be maintained.

It has been recommended a heritage panel should also be located at the site, possibly in a landscaped garden area.