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Councillors have been urged to reject plans to build a luxury ‘ribbon’ hotel, which was part of an £850m plan to regenerate Edinburgh’s St James Centre.
Plans for the hotel were initially announced in July this year, however, according to Edinburgh Evening News, planning officials have urged councillors to reject the scheme claiming it could “damage” the city’s skyline.
They claim the hotel’s proximity to listed buildings could harm the city’s status as a World Heritage Site. Planning officials say the hotel will be wider and taller than initially proposed and will block key views across the city.
The publication reported that questions have also been raised over the material which coats the hotel’s exterior, which is wrapped in bronze coloured stainless steel, with planners claiming it could be “too shiny and reflective”.
Developers of the 210-bedroom hotel – which is planned to feature a restaurant, multiple bars and a rooftop terrace – said that the regeneration of the St James Centre would provide Edinburgh with a “brand new, vibrant and exciting place to live, visit and shop in the heart of the city”.
The developer, TH Real Estate, said back in July that the hotel was already attracting the attention of “major international hotel brands”.
Martin Perry, director of development at TH Real Estate, told Edinburgh Evening News that he was “disappointed” officials had recommended refusal.
He said: “We believe that Jestico & Whiles’ elegant design fully responds to the original council brief to enhance the city’s skyline and create something never seen in Edinburgh before – unparalleled 360-degree views of the city.”
Councillors are expected to meet next week to vote on the project.
