Planners oppose Panmure revamp

PLANS to turn the house where Adam Smith spent his final years into a major research and education centre are set to be thrown out by city planners.

The Edinburgh Business School (EBS) – part of Heriot-Watt University – bought Panmure House from the city council for 800,000 in May 2008.

The academics secured the property despite some other bidders offering up to 150,000 more. Council officials were understood to support the "wider benefits" on offer from their bid.

However, planning officials have now proposed that the development of the building be rejected.

Under the plans, a 2 million revamp would turn the Lochend Close building into a centre for business and economics study.

Council planners are concerned about the proposal for a box-shaped glass-covered atrium in the courtyard of the building.

John Bury, the council's head of planning, said: "The re-use of the building is welcome and the proposals will involve repair which will ensure the long-term future of the building. The use is appropriate for the building and area.

"However, this is a building of significant architectural and historic interest within the Old Town Conservation Area. The proposed functions within the building do not justify the extension. It is not sympathetic to the property and will result in a dominating feature that will undermine the integrity of the original building."

Plans to restore the house have been opposed by heritage groups and Old Town residents. Historic Scotland said the atrium would cause damage to the A-listed building and Edinburgh World Heritage has urged a rethink.

However, 17 letters of support have been lodged.

Dr Eamonn Butler, director of the Adam Smith Institute, said: "This sympathetic restoration will restore its character, open it to the public and give it a set of functions that should ensure it stays in use for many years to come."

In its design statement, the EBS said the proposals would "transform the public perception and image of the building".

Councillors will make a final decision at a meeting next week.