Heritage groups draw battle lines over the future of Charlotte Square

Historic Scotland and the Scottish Civic Trust have thrown their weight behind a developer's multi-million pounds plan to restore Charlotte Square to its former glory after snapping up several flagship properties.

However, the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) and the Cockburn Association are opposed to the first phase of the overhaul, which would see the former NTS HQ gutted and turned into boutique office space for financial institutions.

A modern building featuring glass-covered courtyards would be built behind the Robert Adam-designed townhouses on Hope Street Lane.

However, it would mean the demolition of historic mews buildings in the lane, and there are fears the addition would dominate neighbouring properties.

The Scotsman revealed last month how a Bermuda-based investment fund wanted to turn Charlotte Square into a thriving hub for the financial services in Edinburgh, with a 15 million overhaul of the NTS offices expected to trigger a wider revamp of the square, including a clampdown on through traffic.

Corran Properties, the Edinburgh-based developer acting on behalf of the fund, Fordell Estates, claims the existing building is a run-down "rabbit warren" and that the new building is needed to help attract international investment funds, banks and other financial institutionsback to the square.

However, in a letter to Edinburgh city council, the AHSS is highly critical of the proposed development at 26-31 Charlotte Square. It claims the developer is in "denial" of the architectural and historic interest of the original Robert Adam-designed townhouses on the square, while branding the idea of demolishing the mews building on Hope Street Lane to make way for a modern building "deeply regrettable".

Spokesman Euan Leitch has told the council: "While we support the level of investment proposed for Charlotte Square and the aspirations of the owner, we must object to the loss of significant historic fabric, architectural details and buildings."

The AHSS has also criticised the developer for failing for to produce a conservation plan for its revamp of the A-listed Charlotte Square building.

The Cockburn Association has urged the developer to scale back its plans, claiming they are "too drastic" for the old NTS premises.

However, the development plans have won backing from the Scottish Civic Trust, which points out that the mews buildings earmarked for demolition were not there when the original townhouses were built in 1820, and is arguing for the new building to boast an even "bolder" design.

Steven Robb, a listed buildings expert at Historic Scotland, said: "We understand this application is by a major property holder in Charlotte Square and their aspirations offer a significant and most welcome opportunity to improve its public realm which, in turn, would complement the setting of the listed buildings."

Nick Ball, a director of Corran, said: "All things considered, we are very pleased with the feedback we have had to date. Most people have been very supportive when we have shown them around the site and explained our plans."