Skip to content

21 George Iv Bridge

Posted on: June 20, 2025

This property holds a unique and globally recognised place in contemporary literary history

This property holds a unique and globally recognised place in contemporary literary history

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn Association wishes to express its support for this planning application relating to the restoration and future use of the Elephant House café on George IV Bridge.

This property holds a unique and globally recognised place in contemporary literary history, widely known as one of the formative writing spaces for J.K. Rowling during the early development of the Harry Potter series. As such, it continues to serve as a point of cultural interest and a destination for literary tourism, attracting visitors from around the world.

The Elephant House was among several properties badly damaged in the devastating fire that occurred in August 2021. We welcome efforts to bring this well-known site back into public use, recognising the significant role it plays in both Edinburgh’s living literary heritage and the broader visitor economy.

We support proposals that aim to sensitively restore the premises, ensuring the building’s cultural associations are respected and its contribution to the city’s rich literary landscape is preserved and enhanced.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

Millbank Pavilion A, B Astley Ainslie Hospital

Posted on: June 18, 2025

A modest but historically and socially significant structure

A modest but historically and socially significant structure

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn Association objects to the proposed demolition of the Millbank Pavilion, a modest but historically and socially significant structure built in 1928 as a convalescent ward for tuberculosis patients. Although the building is not statutorily listed, it forms an important part of the architectural and landscape character of the wider Astley Ainslie Hospital site, which sits within the Grange Conservation Area and carries a strong association with Edinburgh’s healthcare and civic heritage.

This application must be assessed in light of Policy ENV 2 of the adopted Edinburgh Local Development Plan, which states that proposals involving demolition in a conservation area will not be permitted unless it can be clearly demonstrated that:

  • The building is of no architectural or historic interest;
  • The structural condition rules out retention at reasonable cost;
  • The demolition is essential to delivering significant public benefits; and
  • Any replacement will preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the area.

In our view, the current application does not meet these tests. The building’s original function and surviving form offer tangible links to Edinburgh’s public health legacy. Its retention was specifically identified in both the City of Edinburgh Council’s Place Brief (2020) and the Astley Ainslie Community Trust’s feasibility study as a strong candidate for sensitive conversion—demonstrating clear potential for reuse. The justification presented, citing asbestos and structural issues, appears inconsistent with this recent guidance and lacks transparent, conservation-led assessment.

Moreover, determining the fate of individual buildings on the site in advance of an approved, comprehensive masterplan or Local Place Plan is premature. This piecemeal approach risks eroding the integrity of the site’s historic environment and undermining meaningful community-led development. We urge the Council to uphold its commitment to plan-led, participatory regeneration, particularly on a site of such long-standing civic importance.

The demolition of the Millbank Pavilion would represent an unnecessary and irreversible loss of Edinburgh’s built heritage, setting an unfortunate precedent for further erosion of valued historic fabric. We therefore recommend refusal of this application, and call instead for proper heritage appraisal, sustainability analysis, and engagement with the community to explore viable alternatives.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

Gorgie Road – temporary residential

Posted on: June 12, 2025

Our objection is based on the lack of essential detail in the application

Our objection is based on the lack of essential detail in the application

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn Association fully acknowledges the urgent need to address Edinburgh’s housing emergency and supports efforts of the City of Edinburgh Council and other providers to provide solutions for those in urgent need of suitable residential accommodation. However, we object to the current planning application for the change of use from student accommodation to temporary residential accommodation at 555 Gorgie Road.

Our objection is based on the lack of essential detail in the application, which prevents a meaningful assessment of the suitability of this building for longer term residential use.

Specifically, the application does not clarify if acceptable space standards for residential use are present or can be achieved, there is no detail given of management and servicing arrangements, no detail of the amenities to be made available to residents, and no detail given of the actual or potential impacts of this proposal on the local community. Supporting documents such as a transport assessment should also be provided. These are critical omissions that make it impossible to determine whether or not the proposed development meets the needs of potential residents and integrates appropriately with the surrounding area and community.

We request that the application be withdrawn and resubmitted only when these key details are included to enable a thorough and transparent evaluation. This will ensure that any development aligns with the needs of both residents and the wider community while addressing the housing crisis effectively.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

Let the People Sing: The Enduring Spirit of the Greater Craigmillar Festival

POSTED ON June 6, 2025 BY James Garry

These initiatives enrich Edinburgh’s cultural landscape and strengthen the bonds that unite us

These initiatives enrich Edinburgh’s cultural landscape and strengthen the bonds that unite us

Support the Cockburn

Donate
Join Us

Back to Listings

Let the People Sing: The Enduring Spirit of the Greater Craigmillar Festival

POSTED ON

These initiatives enrich Edinburgh’s cultural landscape and strengthen the bonds that unite us

These initiatives enrich Edinburgh’s cultural landscape and strengthen the bonds that unite us

Support the Cockburn

Donate
Join Us

Back to Listings

Western Harbour

Posted on: June 4, 2025

A community campaign has sought the retention of existing ponds

A community campaign has sought the retention of existing ponds

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn Association has submitted an objection to planning application 25/01762/FUL for 154 new apartments at Western Harbour. While we recognise the urgent need for new homes in Edinburgh and welcome residential development in principle, this proposal fails to demonstrate the design ambition or contextual sensitivity expected at such a prominent waterfront location.

The architectural design and overall site layout are disappointing, with little evident effort to engage meaningfully with the site’s maritime character. The buildings appear generic in form and do not respond to the opportunity presented by the waterfront setting.

Of particular concern is the treatment of the existing water features. Despite a long-running community campaign to retain and protect the established ponds and surrounding habitat, now home to a wide range of wildlife, this application offers little clarity on how the surviving feature will be sensitively integrated into the wider development. The absence of a clear landscape or ecological framework is a missed opportunity and weakens the wider masterplan.

We urge the applicant and planners to reconsider the quality, sustainability, and contextual response of the proposals—ensuring that any new development adds lasting value to Edinburgh’s waterfront and reflects community expectations.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

Al Fresco Edinburgh: Balancing Outdoor Dining with Heritage Conservation

POSTED ON May 30, 2025 BY James Garry

At its core, this debate is about the purpose of Edinburgh’s public realm

At its core, this debate is about the purpose of Edinburgh’s public realm

Support the Cockburn

Donate
Join Us

Back to Listings

Capital House

Posted on: May 29, 2025

Using Lothian Road for servicing presents some challenges

Using Lothian Road for servicing presents some challenges

Cockburn Response

The Association has considered this proposal repurpose Capital House as a hotel. We have met with the developer and discuss the scheme with them and their proposal advisors.

Firstly, we have no objection to the proposed change of use. Capital House was built in the 1980s and is now not deemed suitable for commercial market. Its structure and internal arrangements mean that structural alterations will be kept to a minimum and therefore make good use of the embedded carbon in the building.

We have no objection to the proposed extension to the western section of the building. It is largely hidden from view and although visible from vantage points with Edinburgh Castle, it’s impact will be minimal.

The Association strongly advises that this development proposal to used to help alleviate the significant deficiencies of Festival Square. This civic space has never been successful as the buildings which define its edges do not integrate and aminate it. The use of the ground floor as hotel bar/restaurant provides this opportunity. We therefore strongly recommend that the City Council as owners of the Festival Square work with the developers to open up the ground floor allowing external seating, etc. The current drop from Lothian Road to the Square in this location provides an exciting opportunity.

We would also recommend discussions with the neighbouring Filmhouse. A direct link to the hospitality spaces could be beneficial to both operations.

Finally, the Association suggests that adequate conditions be attached to address servicing and delivery issues. Using Lothian Road for servicing presents some challenges, especially in the context of Future Streets proposals.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

Heritage under Pressure: Purpose-Built Student Accommodation and the Future of Edinburgh’s Neighbourhoods

POSTED ON May 9, 2025 BY James Garry

The market is not delivering the necessary solution

The market is not delivering the necessary solution

Support the Cockburn

Donate
Join Us

Back to Listings

Grassmarket Hotel

Posted on: April 23, 2025

The case for a historical precedent for a crest remains to be firmly evidenced

The case for a historical precedent for a crest remains to be firmly evidenced

Cockburn Response

This application was been brought to our attention by Cockburn stakeholders.

We objected to an earlier, somewhat similar, application from this hotel in the strongest terms. We also object to this new application. The proposed treatment of the ground floor is unacceptable and not historically correct. The proposed ‘crest’ is a large, incongruous intrusion into the current streetscape.

The case for a historical precedent for a crest remains to be firmly evidenced. We also note the interest of the Lyon Court in this aspect of the current application.

We consider the proposed frontage corner hanging signage unacceptably visually intrusive, particularly at night.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

Bangor Road Student Development

Posted on: April 22, 2025

We advocate for a more balanced approach that respects the existing character of the neighbourhood

We advocate for a more balanced approach that respects the existing character of the neighbourhood

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn Association wishes to formally object to the planning application for the proposed development at 52, 54 Bangor Road, Edinburgh EH6 5JU. Our objection is based on several key concerns regarding the overdevelopment of a constrained site and the inconsistency of the design, height, and mass with the residential character of the local neighbourhood.

Overdevelopment of a Constrained Site

The proposed development represents an overdevelopment of a site that is already constrained by its size and location. The scale of the project is disproportionate to the available space, leading to potential negative impacts on the surrounding area. The density of the proposed accommodation is excessive and does not align with the principles of sustainable development.

Inconsistent Design, Height, and Mass

The design, height, and mass of the proposed building are inconsistent with the established residential character of the neighbourhood. The introduction of a six-storey building with a modern design disrupts this harmony and fails to respect the existing urban fabric.

Impact on Residential Character

The Cockburn Association considers this overdevelopment of a constrained site and the design, height, and mass is inconsistent with the residential character of the local neighbourhood which has developed over the last ten years or so. The proposed development threatens to alter the residential character of the neighbourhood. The influx of students and the associated changes in population dynamics could lead to a shift in the community’s identity. The Cockburn Association believes that any new development should enhance, rather than detract from, the established character of the area.

Lack of P:lace Plan

This part of Bonnington which has been transitioning from a mix of light industrial to new residential  but does not have an overarching master plan or new local place plan to guide what the new “mix” should. We understand that there is a very strong feeling within the community including community council that residential and not PBSA ( especially on such as scale as proposed) should be provided in the new neighbourhood.

Environmental and Social Considerations

We are also concerned about the environmental and social implications of the proposed development. The increased density may lead to higher levels of traffic, noise, and pollution, adversely affecting the quality of life for existing residents. Furthermore, the strain on local amenities and services could be significant, necessitating careful consideration and planning.

Conclusion

We advocate for a more balanced approach that respects the existing character of the neighbourhood, avoids overdevelopment, and addresses the environmental and social impacts. We believe that sustainable and community-focused development is essential for the long-term wellbeing of the area.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings