Officers had recommended that the City of Edinburgh Council’s development management subcommittee approve proposals to redevelop the terraced building at 16-26 Forth Street, in spite of objections from residents living in the area, The Herald reports.

Fraser Marwick of applicant Limetree Developments said: “Throughout this process, we have worked closely and constructively with council officers to design a high quality scheme that respects the building’s architectural heritage and minimises impacts on the local community. 

“As our development progresses, we remain fully committed to ongoing engagement with the neighbouring residents and wider community.”

Over 150 people and organisations, including the New Town and Broughton Community Council, objected to initial plans which included the construction of 90 hotel rooms.

But updated proposals cut the number of rooms to 53.

City of Edinburgh Council planning officer David Givan wrote: “The proposal is an appropriate scale, form and design for the location.”

Peter Williamson, chair of the Picardy Residents Association, spoke out against the council’s decision. 

Williamson said: “It goes without saying that for local residents the outcome is deeply disappointing. 

“After the meeting of the development management subcommittee, residents’ serious concerns remain.”

Williamson added: “For them, I find it disappointing that their voice did not carry more weight in the whole application process. 

“This was compounded by the fact that the objection ultimately had no support from any committee members to force a vote.”