Plans to create a new café at the premises of an “eyesore” Edinburgh dry cleaners used by the Royal family have been abandoned despite having support from the local community.
The City of Edinburgh Council withdrew the application to create a café at the premises of the old dry cleaners on St Mary’s street on Friday November 12.
The café was intended to be small in scale, serving just coffee and sandwiches, with a small seating area inside.
The old Kleen Kleaners laundry house was awarded a Royal Warrant, appointed by The Queen, before they shut their doors in recent years.
Now locals say the building on the Royal Mile has become an “eyesore” and some lodged their support for the café in the planning application.
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One said: “Surprised that council didn’t assist occupiers to get planning permission granted earlier. Shop has been an eyesore for far too long. I hope it does prove to be successful and brightens up the street.”
Another said: “This iconic shop has to be used and it’s a great idea. Good for local area, good for economy and we should be supporting new businesses especially after this pandemic and the amount of people who have lost their livelihoods.”
And one added: “Such a beautiful shop it’s a disgrace it’s been allowed to sit empty and be vandalised. It’s about time it gets put to good use.”
However, despite this support, Edinburgh council received notice from the developer on November 11 saying that the developers now wish to withdraw the planning application.
It is unknown at this stage whether the developer will submit another planning application for the site.
