Plans to transform an Edinburgh warehouse into an indoor climbing centre have been granted after councillors voted against a refusal recommendation on Wednesday.
The unit, at East Telferton, near Portobello, was the subject of ambitious plans to build a climbing gym and café on behalf of The Climbing Hangar, who have venues in Liverpool, London and Sheffield.
Despite a recommendation for the application to be refused based on the fact it would "undermine the provision of business and industry units", a U-turn by councillors meant it was supported for approval by seven votes to two.
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The plans did receive over 60 supportive comments before the council's Development Management Sub-Committee meeting, with the building previously in use as office and storage space.
A huge false climbing wall was included in the proposals, as well as a bouldering section in the middle. In addition, current office space would see some staff areas constructed as well as a management office.
The attraction will also include a café with a kitchen and seating area.
Among reasons for the application to be refused, planning officers said: "The application for development is unacceptable as it is contrary to the relevant policies within National Planning Framework 4 and the Edinburgh Local Development Plan, as it would undermine the provision of business and industry units, to the detriment of the economy of the city."
However, it did note that there was a significant positive response to the plans, with over 60 supportive comments. Officers added: "The proposal would have no adverse effect on the character of the area or on neighbouring residential amenity. Sixty-three representations were received in support of the application, specifically in relation to the use being beneficial; some weight has been given to these comments."
The report also cited how the proposals would result in the loss of business, industrial or storage floorspace within an area identified in the LDP (Local Development Plan). The policy aims to retain a range of employment sites which are vital to the local economy and have been designed to cater for a diversity of uses and building sizes.
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