Edinburgh Marina Holdings, the developer of the landmark Edinburgh Marina scheme, has once again won a planning appeal for the development, specifically the Hyatt Spa & Conference Hotel, Hyatt Regency Residences, in addition to the Victoria Apartments which form part of the wider waterfront development.
In the decision notice, the Reporter stated: ‘The proposed development accords overall with the relevant provisions of the development plan and there are no material considerations which would still justify refusing to grant planning permission. I have considered all the matters raised, but there are none which would lead me to alter my conclusions… The proposals provide more green space than is required and provide a balance between sheltered areas and those areas which would receive good levels of sunlight.’
This decision follows Edinburgh Marina’s recent unveiling of its revised proposals for the hotel at a public meeting held earlier this month, which received resounding praise from Frank Ross Right Honourable Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost.
Whilst waiting for the outcome of this appeal, the developers remodelled the hotel and serviced apartments including the ground floor layout of the hotel with an enhanced main entrance with separate entrances to the hotel, banqueting suite and brasserie. The developers have also now included the provision of a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) taxi rank, which will provide taxi drivers with free naturally sourced electricity whilst they wait for a fare, a notable feature which is believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland. In addition, the Hyatt Regency Spa & Conference Hotel will now also feature an indoor spa pool as part of the 15,000 sqft (1394 sqm) state-of-the-art wellness centre, which will offer boutique fitness classes and restorative spa therapies with luxury treatment rooms for a total mind and body experience.
Constructed around extensive landscaped gardens enjoying views of the new Marina and the Firth of Forth, the revised hotel plans at Edinburgh Marina will now comprise 160 beautifully furnished, spacious rooms and suites and 78 one, two and three bedroom serviced apartments which will all be operated by Hyatt Regency, the leading international hotel brand. These apartments will be designed and fitted to the same specification as the hotel rooms, enabling guests to experience the service and amenities of a hotel, whilst enjoying all the benefits and freedom of a self-contained apartment.
The hotel will overlook the new world class marina comprising 427 full-serviced berths, which will be capable of accommodating boats of up to 40m plus in length, with 24/7 access at all states of tide. Edinburgh Marina will be the first purpose-built marina that has been developed in the UK next to a capital city in the last 40 years.
Charles Price, spokesman for the Edinburgh Marina Holdings, added: “This is wonderful news, we are extremely proud of this development and we are thrilled that the Scottish Government has recognised its significance for Scotland as a world-class destination. I want to publicly thank our team of highly dedicated professionals who worked tirelessly on this project.
This is now the third appeal we have won in succession following several bizarre decisions by CEC planning causing totally unnecessary delays and obstructions throughout the planning process. This has resulted in the waste of the public purse given that only last November CEC produced yet another Edinburgh Waterfront strategy proposal to promote the waterfront development.
We are delighted to be able to progress with our plans and look forward to delivering this long overdue landmark development which will also provide several hundred affordable homes equal to over double the number in the original legal agreement.”
