Hotel rooms extension approved

PLANS for an extension at a city centre hotel have been given approval.

Four apartments at 8 York Place are to be turned into 12 ensuite bedrooms as part of an extension to the three-star Ballantrae Hotel.

The development conflicts with the Edinburgh City local plan because it will result in the loss of housing.

However, council planning chiefs had told councillors that it would be acceptable because it will help deal with a shortage of hotel rooms.

Their view has now been backed by councillors, who have granted permission.

John Bury, head of planning, had said that hotels assist in "generating economic benefit to the city".

The applicant was initially asked to pay 35,133 towards the tram project but said that would make the scheme "unviable", so council officials said that a 5000 contribution would be acceptable.