Planners reject estate agency’s request to turn branch into holiday let
McDougall McQueen appeals after a local council refused to grant approval for a branch office to be converted into a short-term let.
An estate agency has appealed after being rebuffed in its unusual attempt to turn one of its branch offices into a short-term holiday let.
McDougall McQueen wants to convert its Gorebridge premises, south of Edinburgh, into residential use, it is reported.
But planners from the local council rejected the proposal saying the Main Street location is a thriving shopping area, and there is a high demand for retail units.
High quality
The estate agency, which has six other branches, argues there is already a mix of retail, business and residential in the street.
Representatives acting for McDougall McQueen say: “The proposals seek to reuse an office which is under-utilised and due to close.
The proposed use will reflect the mixed use nature of Main St and incorporate well.”
“The proposals seek a change of use to a short term let and minor alternations to the exterior using high quality materials which will be sympathetic to the historic nature of the building.
“The proposed use will reflect the mixed use nature of Main St and incorporate well.”
Objected
Gorebridge Community Council objected to the plans because they were not in keeping with a ‘priority action’, identified in its Local Development Plan to revive the main street with shops and toilets.
The council says: “The long-term impact of the proposal should be considered and the application be refused to prioritise the preservation of commercial spaces for shops on Main Street.”
The proposal would result in the loss of a commercial unit.”
Planning officers said that over the last four years around 150 businesses had contacted their economic team seeking commercial opportunities in Gorebridge.
“The proposal would result in the loss of a commercial unit in an area where there seems to be demand from businesses to operate,” they said.
A short term let would also have a negative impact on residents living above the property, they said.
McDougall McQueen has now appealed to Midlothian Council’s Local Review Body to overturn the decision from local planners.
