Craig Williams

The Scottish government has approved plans to convert four Category A-listed Georgian townhouses on Edinburgh’s Atholl Crescent into a 544-bed pod-style hostel. More than 280 objections were submitted, with campaigners and local politicians warning of noise, safety, pressure on narrow streets, overtourism and a precedent for intensive tourist developments in heritage areas. The planning appeal decision imposed 21 conditions and found that the change from offices to hotel use would not reduce local homes or services or harm the site’s outstanding heritage value. Edinburgh World Heritage defended its neutral planning assessment, while opponents say they will review the decision and consider their next steps.