Developer hits back at planners

DEVELOPERS behind a bid to turn a former city cinema into a hotel have written to the chief executive of the city council, accusing planners of "irregularities" in their official report on the proposal.

Council planning officials have produced a report recommending the proposal to demolish part of the Clerk Street Odeon and replace it with a new art hotel be rejected on the grounds that there have been two "credible bids" for the building that would save the auditorium.

But site owner Duddingston House Properties (DHP) claims no bid has been able to demonstrate adequate proof of funding.

The company, chosen by the council last year to develop the old Royal High School into a hotel, has now written to council chief executive Sue Bruce, head of legal services Alastair Maclean and all councillors on the planning committee claiming reports of officials have been "incomplete and inaccurate".

In the letter, the firm's chief executive, Bruce Hare, said: "Some, but not all, of the mistakes have been acknowledged. However, the council has refused to correct the errors in the reports.

"If you are not presented with the truth it is unreasonable to expect you to arrive at a fair and balanced decision regarding the future of the building."

A city council spokeswoman said: "The reports examine whether the building has been marketed at a price reflecting its condition and location for a reasonable period. The market has indicated there are willing buyers."