Around 144 build to rent units, 117 private residential units, 88 mid-market rent/affordable homes are set to be delivered as part of the New Town Quarter development, plans for which were submitted last year by Ediston and Orion Capital Managers following an extensive public consultation exercise through the pre-planning process.

The £250m plans also include a new urban centre, providing a significant addition of public realm, including 7,430 m² office space, 116-room hotel, and retail/leisure components. Proposed new buildings to Fettes Row are designed to respond sensitively to the adjacent listed buildings, whilst retaining and strengthening the existing ‘green edge’ boundary of the site.

The development will replace the existing car park and ex RBS office with a new integrated development that respects its unique location bordering the World Heritage Area in a respectful but contemporary design that will reconnect the King George V Park with both the New Town and the wider urban context.

The approval is subject to conditions including relating to height, affordable housing, the hotel and the park at the site.

City of Edinburgh Council planning officials said: “Historic Environment Scotland does not object to the application but has concerns with some elements of the scheme, such as the relationship of the proposals with some listed buildings.

“However, when viewed in the urban context of the site, coupled with the benefits of redeveloping the site with a more sympathetic design taking cognisance of the listed buildings, and the retention of the trees, the character and setting of the listed buildings is preserved.”

Councillors on the development management sub committee voted seven to four in favour of the plans, which had been recommended for approval by council planners.

Consultants

• 10 Design – Lead Design Architect
• Gardiner & Theobald LLP – Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Health and Safety Specialist
• Jensen Hughes / JGA – Fire Engineer
• Optimised Environments Ltd (OPEN) – Landscape Architect
• RSP Consulting Engineers Ltd – Building Service Engineer
• Turley – Planning Consultant
• Waterman Group – Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineer