The site of the historic former Caledonian Brewery is set to become a 168-flat development with just two parking spaces after plans were approved by Edinburgh councillors.
Locals had raised concerns about the development due to the site’s proposed parking being two wheelchair accessible spaces, with over 150 public objections were lodged.
But councillors unanimously supported the plans, which they said offered a good way of adding housing to the city while also preserving the historical character of the brewery.
Conservative councillor Jo Mowat said: “I think what is hugely positive is that this is a housing development on this site. I think a lot of people would have gone to student housing where we have more relaxed policies.
“It’s a huge shame to lose the Caledonian Brewery as a brewery, but to keep this preserved I think is hugely positive. I think it’s a good day for the city.”
Liberal Democrat councillor Hal Osler, convener of the Development Management Sub-Committee, concurred, saying: “I think there’s a lot to commend the site. This is a very unique site. I’m delighted that this is housing.
“It’s lovely that you can get this level of uniqueness that people are going to enjoy going forward, that is going to be upgraded.
“Hopefully, in the future, there might be a possibility of linking the site up. I don’t have the same level of concerns about a non car-based [site].
“I think it would have been a shame to put car parking into this site, as it would have ruined the aspect. I commend the applicant, and I think the design they brought forward is very interesting.
“It will retain the historic [element], but add to that.”
Some 164 comments were received from locals about the development, with 152 in opposition.
One read: “I am alarmed that there are only two car parking spaces proposed for 100 new properties.
“The proposal will cause chaos in surrounding streets where parking is at capacity. This is very poor planning.
“For the sake of the existing community, please insist that the developers build more parking spaces into their plans.
Another said: “As a long-term resident, parking has always been an issue around the area. The public transport at peak times will be overloaded.
“I am not a car owner, but have been, and the challenges of parking for myself and visitors has been difficult.
“The proposed development will, unless there are changes to the parking, cause disruption and distress to the area.”
Officers told councillors that the property was not in a controlled parking zone, meaning that residents would not be able to apply for parking permits in the local community.
Edinburgh’s last major brewery, the site closed in 2022 with the loss of 30 jobs after running almost uninterrupted for 153 years.
When it shut, it had been producing beers for Heineken, with operations shifted over to the Belhaven brewery in East Lothian.
Most of the original brewery will be retained, with the remaining historic structure becoming housing or office space.
By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
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