Planning application for short-term lets above Malt & Hops pub in Leith withdrawn following community campaign
A community campaign was launched last month asking local residents to lodge objections against plans to create 15 short-term flats above the Malt & Hops pub
A planning application for short-term let flats on The Shore in Leith has been withdrawn after a community backlash, with hundreds of objections lodged against it.
Plans to convert an office space at Waterside House into 15 self-catering apartments faced backlash from businesses in the neighbourhood including the Malt & Hops pub located directly below the building.
The Shore Business Collective, which is made up of local independent businesses including the pub, called on locals to lodge objections against the plans in a campaign launched last month, with hundreds of comments made pushing back against the plans to convert the office space into short-term accommodation.
Following the community campaign to halt the plans, the Shore Business Collective has announced that the planning application has been withdrawn.
The group said: “We are happy to learn that the building owners at Waterside House have withdrawn the planning application to turn all the offices above the Malt & Hops into Short Term Lets.
“We sincerely thank those who spoke up for the local independent businesses and the impact upon the area in general.”
The Shore Business Collective previously said that the creation of 15 short term let flats directly above the historic pub would “kill the ecosystem of the street” amid concerns regular customers in the offices would be kicked out of the area.
January Watson, secretary of the Shore Business Collective, also said that there were worries that short-term guests would submit noise complaints due to the pub’s location directly beneath the proposed apartments.
Malt & Hops is a popular pub within The Shore area, attracting plenty of punters and hosting events such as the annual Leith Jazz & Blues Festival.
Reacting to the news that the planning application has been withdrawn, a spokesperson for the Shore Business Collective said: "Our priority is to keep The Shore as busy and vibrant as possible all year, and everyday workers are absolutely key to this.
“They are the people who sustain our local shops, pubs, and services Monday to Friday.
“We want to protect and celebrate our unique community, and this helps maintain the balance of residents, workers, and visitors that make our area thrive and so special."
Manus Gregor, of Gregor Properties, confirmed to the Evening News that the company had withdrawn the planning application in its current iteration.
He added that conversations are continuing with the Malt & Hops with their concerns about the previous application noted.
Mr Gregor said that the company is working towards submitting a new amended application and has invited the pub to share their “input and support” amid preparations to submit a new planning application.