Developer unhappy at council snub

A FIRM specialising in upmarket restaurants and hotels has criticised city planners for axing a development in north Edinburgh.

Chris Stewart Group intended to transform the defunct Theatre Workshop in Stockbridge into a 120-cover eaterie.

However, as the Evening News reported last week, councillors went against officials’ recommendations and sided with campaigners keen to see the building kept for community use.

The North Castle Street firm, which is behind the Motel One on Market Street and the Baxter’s Place hotel adjacent to the Playhouse, said: “This decision is significant because it has created a deep lack of confidence working with the planning committee to create economic opportunity for the city.

“In refusing a sound proposal bringing economic development and jobs, the planning committee appear to have caved in to a handful of residents with their own agenda.”

The firm may appeal.

On Friday, deputy planning leader Sandy Howat said the building was too important to the community to be lost.