Rooftop Telecommunications Installation
Posted on: August 15, 2025
Objection: heritage, visual impact, structural concerns, scrutiny.
Address:54 – 60 Princes Street Edinburgh EH2 2DQ
Proposal: Proposed 3 No. antennas. Proposed 12 N. RRU’s. Proposed 2 No. dishes. Proposed 1 No. equipment rack. Proposed cable trays. Ancillary development
Reference No: 25/03537/FUL and 25/03538/LBC
Closing date for comments: Fri 15 Aug 2025
Determination date: Mon 08 Sep 2025
Result: Pending
Cockburn Response
The Cockburn Association objects to the planning applications 25/03537/FUL and 25/03538/LBC. Our concerns centre on the potential impact upon the character of the New Town Conservation Area, the integrity of the listed building, and the wider Edinburgh World Heritage Site.
Visual and Heritage Impact
The applications are not supported by adequate visual impact assessments, particularly verified views from key public vantage points such as Calton Hill and surrounding streetscapes. Views from Castle and glimpses from the Old Town also very important. Without these, it is not possible to assess the full implications of the proposals on the New Town Conservation Area or the setting of the listed building. We consider that the development risks eroding the established character and appearance of this highly sensitive historic environment. We therefore request that detailed visualisations are provided and assessed in line with relevant heritage policies.
Listed Building Integrity
We are concerned about the potential impact of additional roof loading and other alterations on the structural stability of the listed building. It is vital that any proposal demonstrates that the historic fabric of the building will not be compromised. We urge the planning authority to subject any structural assessments to rigorous scrutiny before determination.
Determination by Committee
Given the prominence of the site and its heritage sensitivity, we support the request made by Marks and Spencer that the application be determined by the Development Management Sub-Committee rather than under delegated powers. This will ensure appropriate public scrutiny and a full consideration of the heritage impacts.
For these reasons, we ask that the applications be refused in their current form.