Angry Edinburgh New Town residents fume 'we don't want yoga studio in our area'
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Edinburgh residents have objected to plans for a new yoga studio they warn could 'increase noise and disturbance'.
The planning application for 15 Northumberland Street North East Lane would see the currently vacant unit become a yoga and pilates studio, and will be discussed by councillors on June 25. Ahead of the meeting, locals have objected to the plans - citing the 'poor condition' of the entrance lane and the 'negative impact on safety in the area'.
However, an Edinburgh Council planning officer's report has recommended the application be granted as it will 'preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area'. The report also says the proposal is 'appropriate within the location'.
The unit, which was most recently used as an office, is surrounding by tenement buildings. Plans also include a new cycle parking area.
The yoga studio would have opening hours of 8am until 8pm throughout the week. The report argues it would 'not have an unacceptable impact on the neighbouring properties'.
The report continues: "While the immediate surrounding area is largely residential in nature, the proposed yoga studio will make a beneficial contribution to the viability and vitality of the area, through the provision of a new use that would have the potential to have positive effects on health, as it supports the opportunity for exercise within the area. The application site will be accessible via public transport and active travel routes due to its close proximity to the city centre."
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However, residents have submitted 11 objections. The report summarised the objections, with locals arguing: "The entrance lane to the site is in poor condition and would not handle additional vehicle traffic; the application does not propose to increase parking on the site.
"The proposal will result in an increase in users and on-street parking. Impact residential amenity. The proposed opening hours are not appropriate. Negatively impact the Conservation Area, negatively impact on the World Heritage Site.
"Negatively impact on safety in the area. The proposed use is not appropriate for the area. An increase in noise and disturbance within the local area."
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Developers argued the plans would 'not generate significant noise levels'. They added: "The proposed use as a yoga studio may generate some noise from people arriving and leaving the premises. However, the floor area to be used is relatively small, whilst yoga is not an activity that would generate significant levels of noise and disturbance."
Concluding, the report stated: "The proposal would be acceptable with regard to Section 64 of the Town and Country Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997, as it will preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.
"The proposed change of use would have due regard for the global climate and nature crisis, and is acceptable in principle. The proposal is acceptable in terms scale, form and design and is compatible with the building and area as a whole. The proposed use is appropriate within this location."
The plans will be discussed at a meeting on June 25.
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Angry Edinburgh New Town residents fume 'we don't want yoga studio in our area'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh residents have objected to plans for a new yoga studio they warn could 'increase noise and disturbance'. The planning application for 15 Northumberland Street North East Lane would see the currently vacant unit become a yoga and pilates studio, and will be discussed by councillors on June 25. Ahead of the meeting, locals have objected to the plans - citing the 'poor condition' of the entrance lane and the 'negative impact on safety in the area'. However, an Edinburgh Council planning officer's report has recommended the application be granted as it will 'preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area'. The report also says the proposal is 'appropriate within the location'. The unit, which was most recently used as an office, is surrounding by tenement buildings. Plans also include a new cycle parking area. The yoga studio would have opening hours of 8am until 8pm throughout the week. The report argues it would 'not have an unacceptable impact on the neighbouring properties'. The report continues: "While the immediate surrounding area is largely residential in nature, the proposed yoga studio will make a beneficial contribution to the viability and vitality of the area, through the provision of a new use that would have the potential to have positive effects on health, as it supports the opportunity for exercise within the area. The application site will be accessible via public transport and active travel routes due to its close proximity to the city centre." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox However, residents have submitted 11 objections. The report summarised the objections, with locals arguing: "The entrance lane to the site is in poor condition and would not handle additional vehicle traffic; the application does not propose to increase parking on the site. "The proposal will result in an increase in users and on-street parking. Impact residential amenity. The proposed opening hours are not appropriate. Negatively impact the Conservation Area, negatively impact on the World Heritage Site. "Negatively impact on safety in the area. The proposed use is not appropriate for the area. An increase in noise and disturbance within the local area." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Developers argued the plans would 'not generate significant noise levels'. They added: "The proposed use as a yoga studio may generate some noise from people arriving and leaving the premises. However, the floor area to be used is relatively small, whilst yoga is not an activity that would generate significant levels of noise and disturbance." Concluding, the report stated: "The proposal would be acceptable with regard to Section 64 of the Town and Country Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997, as it will preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area. "The proposed change of use would have due regard for the global climate and nature crisis, and is acceptable in principle. The proposal is acceptable in terms scale, form and design and is compatible with the building and area as a whole. The proposed use is appropriate within this location." The plans will be discussed at a meeting on June 25.
