No room for 17-storey city hotel plan

DEVELOPERS have ditched plans for a 17-storey, five-star hotel beside Haymarket station.

The controversial multi- million-pound plans were previously rejected following a public inquiry and now the developer's deal with hotel operator Intercontinental has reportedly been scrapped.

The Scottish Government turned down the 250m plan for the former goods yard on Morrison Street, which had the hotel as its centrepiece, last October.

Developer Tiger has insisted it is fully committed to using the site and yesterday unveiled its latest plans which feature office blocks, shops and public squares.

Buildings will be no higher than ten storeys in line with new guidance issued by Edinburgh City Council.

A three-storey budget hotel and an underground car park will be retained from the previous scheme.