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

Erection of 17 No. student accommodation units

Posted on: March 12, 2025

This site does not appear to be a realistic development opportunity

This site does not appear to be a realistic development opportunity

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn has objected to this application.  This site does not appear to be a realistic development opportunity.  The specific reason for a similar application on this site to be rejected: namely, negative impact on trees is not, in our view, sufficiently addressed in the current application.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

Erection of windbreak roof structure

Posted on:

A more contemporary solution may be more acceptable.

A more contemporary solution may be more acceptable.

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn has objected to this application.  We can appreciate the need for the provision of shelter for clients of this significant attraction. However, given the site’s context in terms of its Old Town location and it proximity to numerous listed buildings, this proposal is not good enough. A more contemporary solution may be more acceptable.  We note that the application makes no reference to its relevant A-listed status or any other heritage considerations. This is unacceptable.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

Installation of memorial cat sculpture

Posted on:

Hugo was well known among local people in the west end of Edinburgh

Hugo was well known among local people in the west end of Edinburgh

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn has supported this statue in acknowledgement of  Hugo’s significance as a local character, appreciating his role in shaping Edinburgh’s distinct identity and heritage. Local art, such as this statue, is crucial to communities, fostering pride, connection, and continuity, whilst offering a concrete link to shared history and values that reinforce community ties.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

Dry Dock at Harbour 31

Posted on: February 21, 2025

Developments such as this should support and facilitate a strategic link along Edinburgh’s waterfront

Developments such as this should support and facilitate a strategic link along Edinburgh’s waterfront

Cockburn Response

This proposed development off Bath Road in Edinburgh aims to create a versatile business hub. This project includes the construction of office spaces, general industrial facilities, and areas designated for storage or distribution. Additionally, the development plans feature a training facility to support skill development and ancillary retail and food and drink outlets to cater to the needs of those working in and visiting the area. The proposal also includes associated infrastructure, such as parking, to ensure convenience and accessibility.

The Cockburn Association  has commented on this application, highlighting that it lacks a clear public realm strategy, and requires a clearer definition of the public realm proposed for the site. Further clarification and details are required to demonstrate how the proposed development will integrate with the wider Leith community and how it will increase accessibility and permeability across the port area. Developments such as this should not miss out on opportunities to support and facilitate a strategic link along Edinburgh’s waterfront and should seek to maximise opportunities for engagement with the waterfront. This application could do more to address both these points. Additionally, the proposed development’s future relationship, if any, with the Forth Freeport is not addressed.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

West Park Place PBSA

Posted on: February 13, 2025

The existing buildings are not listed but have been identified as locally significant

The existing buildings are not listed but have been identified as locally significant

Cockburn Response

This planning application involves the demolition of the existing buildings at 2 – 3 West Park Place, Edinburgh. The site will be redeveloped to construct purpose-built student accommodation, which will include ancillary amenities, cycle parking, landscaping, and other associated works. The existing buildings are not listed but have been flagged as locally significant by appropriate City of Edinburgh Council officers. There has been local interest and local objections.

The Cockburn Association objects to this application.  We  are not convinced that the case for the complete demolition of all the existing buildings is justified.

The height, mass, and bulk of the proposals seem excessive for such a constrained site in a heavily residential area, and there are no new accessible greenspaces or additional amenity benefits for the area’s existing community.

The application does not discuss the cumulative impact of adding additional student accommodation to an area which already has built and consented PBSA accommodation.

Additionally, while we acknowledge that most of the accommodation proposed is in cluster configurations, we would have liked to have seen a fuller discussion of how this development could be effectively and affordably reconfigured as mainstream housing if the demand for PBSA should fall in the future.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

Northfield Drive PBSA

Posted on: January 10, 2025

A disappointing design

A disappointing design

Cockburn Response

Some recent proposals for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) buildings in Edinburgh have been praised for their architectural quality, creating a visually appealing and contextually sensitive structures.

However, the current PBSA development proposed for Northfield Drive in Edinburgh has a disappointing design which adds little to the visual amenity and diversity of its neighbourhood.

With so many PBSA applications coming forward across Edinburgh at this time, it is crucial that each new development adds something of value to the Edinburgh cityscape.

 

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

217 High Street

Posted on:

More technical reassurance is required

More technical reassurance is required

Cockburn Response

This proposal may be acceptable. However, very little information is provided in the application. We would have expected to see more detailed technical reassurance that the works proposed will secure the facade of this prominent Category A listed building on the High Street of Edinburgh.  In the absence of this information we have objected to this application.

Further Details Here

Back to Listings

Major events in West Princes Street Gardens consultation comments

Posted on: December 18, 2024

The Association does not support an increase in the number of major events at the Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens.

The Association does not support an increase in the number of major events at the Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens.

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn Association appreciates the opportunity to respond to the City of Edinburgh Council’s consultation on the future of the Ross Bandstand and the proposed relaxation of the Major Events policy.  We recognize the historical significance of the bandstand and fully support its refurbishment to preserve its heritage.

Additionally, we endorse its use for community and small-scale events, which align with the character and spirit of Princes Street Gardens.

However, we have significant concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of large-scale events at the Ross Bandstand on public access to Princes Street Gardens, the parkland and greenspace, and biodiversity. As such,  we do not support the proposal to increase the number of major events in the Gardens.  This policy was put in place only two years ago, following extensive public consultation and we can see no evidence that would support such a change, other than a desire to further commercialise the gardens.  We appreciate the need for investment and the desire to support local community/school events in the gardens and bandstand.   However, we feel that these two issues have been unnecessarily conflated and should not be; that is, for small community/local school events, it is not a requirement change the current “4 major events” policy.

Similarly, we feel that this consultation, and the previous report to the Culture & Communities Committee in May 2024, ignores the public value of the gardens.  In surveys over the past few decades, its greenness and its tranquillity were cited as the top benefits for citizens .   The continued pressure from the Council and others to turn West Princes Street Gardens and the Ross Bandstand into a major performance hub is not agreeable in this context.

Similarly, there are no concrete proposals available for the refurbishment and enhancement of the existing bandstand.  These should be advanced first before any change on major events policy is considered.  The separate Waverley Valley and Princes Street Strategy, which is out for consultation at the same, should be determined first, and it can help any further consideration of the intensification of commercial events in the gardens.

See our full response to the consultation here – https://www.cockburnassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cockburn-Association-Response-to-Ross-Bandstand-events-consultation-18-December-2024.pdf.

Back to Listings