Controversial ‘ribbon’ hotel approved by Edinburgh Council

Councillors have approved plans for a luxury ‘ribbon’ hotel in Edinburgh, despite planning officials urging the council to reject the scheme.

Plans for the hotel, which were revealed last month, recently came under fire after planning officials claimed the scheme could damage the city’s skyline.

Planning officials said that the hotel’s proximity to a listed building could harm the city’s status as a World Heritage Site, and claimed the new project would be wider and taller than initially proposed, blocking key views across the city.

Concerns were also raised over the material coating the hotel’s exterior, which planning officials fear could be “too shiny and reflective”.

The 210-bedroom hotel, which forms part of an £850m plan to regenerate Edinburgh’s St James Centre, will feature a restaurant, bars and a rooftop terrace.

Martin Perry, director of development at TH Real Estate, which is behind the project, said that the company is “thrilled” that the council has supported its vision for the hotel.

He said: “The building will be the centrepiece of Edinburgh St James and will reinforce the city’s position as an international destination. The hotel’s iconic design has already generated interest from global hotel operators and today’s decision to approve our proposals takes us one step closer to starting work on-site next year and to delivering the development.”

Demolition works will begin on the site in early 2016, with the hotel expected to be completed by 2020.