A B-listed building is being renovated into flats despite concerns from Historic Environment Scotland.
The B-listed property within Edinburgh’s West End New Town was built between 1866 and 1873 by John Lessels as a town house.
Now the developer Manor Developments Edinburgh LTD want to restore it to a residential quarter again after it had been used for office space in recent years.
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The property at Manor Place was listed as category B in 1970 and forms part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.
The building is a traditional Georgian townhouse of stone construction arranged over basement, ground and three upper floors with much of the original period features retained throughout.
Haymarket Railway Station and a local tram stop are within a five minute walking distance and provide excellent transport links.
Historic Environment Scotland told the planning department at the City of Edinburgh Council of their concerns about the renovation.
A spokesperson said the proposal would result in “diminishing the character and special architectural interest of this listed building.”
They continued: “We consider the current scheme is unsympathetic and an overdevelopment of the former terrace house.
“It would have a detrimental impact on the listed building’s character and special interest, especially with the subdivision of the common hall and rear interior rooms.
“We consider that a less harmful implementation of the proposals should be sought.
“Our preference would be for a less intensive scheme that preserved the townhouse’s historic plan-form, especially the surviving rear rooms, along with features such as fireplaces.”
The council granted permission for the change of use from an office to residential property on Friday, July 2.
