Green light for Hyatt's first hotel in Scotland
Edinburgh Marina Holdings, the developer behind Hyatt's first hotel in Scotland, has won its third planning appeal against the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC).
The Scottish Government granted its approval to the developer to deliver the Hyatt Spa & Conference Hotel and Hyatt Regency Residences, as well as Victoria Apartments as part of the £500m regeneration of the waterfront development.
Charles Price, spokesman for the Edinburgh Marina Holdings, said: "This is now the third appeal we have won in succession following several bizarre decisions by CEC planning causing totally unnecessary delays and obstructions throughout the planning process.
"This has resulted in the waste of the public purse given that only last November CEC produced yet another Edinburgh Waterfront strategy proposal to promote the waterfront development."
While waiting for the outcome of the latest appeal, the developer revised the scheme's plans, which were revealed at a public meeting earlier this month.
Changes included a remodelled ground floor layout, enhanced main entrance to the hotel, and separate entrances to the hotel, banqueting suite and brasserie.
A dedicated electric vehicle taxi rank and an indoor spa pool as part of the 15,000 sq ft wellness centre were also added.
The decision notice stated: "The proposed development accords overall with the relevant provisions of the development plan and there are no material considerations which would still justify refusing to grant planning permission.
"I have considered all the matters raised, but there are none which would lead me to alter my conclusions... The proposals provide more green space than is required and provide a balance between sheltered areas and those areas which would receive good levels of sunlight."
The revised hotel plans at Edinburgh Marina now comprise 160 rooms and suites and 78 one-, two-, and three-bedroom serviced apartments, which will all be operated under the luxury Hyatt Regency brand. It will become the third Hyatt Regency in the UK, joining properties in London and Birmingham.
