A new bid to convert a stationery store in Edinburgh city centre into a restaurant has been launched after two previous attempts failed over fears of loss of retail on one of the capital's main shopping streets.
Fresh proposals sent to the City of Edinburgh Council are seeking permission for a restaurant and delicatessen at 77A George Street, which is currently occupied by Paperchase on a short-term lease.
Last September the council first refused change of use of the shop after officers said further “erosion of retail” on the street would harmful the "vitality of the surrounding area".
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However the applicant Aegon Asset Management - who highlighted that around a fifth of units on George Street are currently vacant - challenged the decision and had their application reviewed by the council's planning appeals committee.
Members were split over whether to overturn officers’ original decision, with some eager to abide by planning regulations which stipulate no more than a third of businesses in the ‘block’, which consists of 14 units, should be “in non-shop use”.
A letter of support sent by Essential Edinburgh, which manages the city centre Business Improvement District (BID), called for more flexibility from the council in its decision making on proposals like these.
The organisation’s Chief Executive Roddy Smith said: “No one wants to see vacant units on George Street, and we would like to see high quality operators enter the vicinity.
“As the city centre recovers from the pandemic, we must look to continue to support new operators wishing to locate in the city centre.”
Following debate between councillors, SNP, Lib Dem and Labour members voted to uphold the refusal whilst Greens and Conservatives were in favour of granting change of use as plans were rejected for a second time.
But now another bid to open a restaurant in the B-listed premises has been lodged by a different applicant, Windows Catering Company (West End).
And this time plans include a retail element - with a deli counter proposed at the back of the eatery.
The application, which is awaiting a decision from city planners, has requested a change of use of 'class 1 (shop)' to 'class 1 (shop /deli) and Class 3 (restaurant)'.
It's understood the company behind the bid is linked with Di Maggio's Group, which manages a chain of Italian restaurants in Glasgow city centre.
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