Edinburgh’s Latest Planning Applications: Solar Panels, Historic Lifts, Hotels and Venue Changes

Key Points

• Balerno Village Trust has applied to install solar PV cells on the flat roof of Balerno Police Station on Bridge Street, as detailed in the City of Edinburgh Council’s weekly planning list.
• An application for a new ‘through-the-floor’ glass lift at the Signet Library in Parliament Square aims to provide step-free access to the upper landing for the first time, referenced as 26/00526/LBC with an impact rating of 4/10.
• Laclan Stewart of Anta Scotland Ltd, owners of 204 Rose Street, has submitted plans to form a hotel with a rooftop café/bar area, including associated change of use; this involves converting the former Rose Theatre (previously an Edwardian Baroque chapel), with references 26/00544/FUL (impact 7/10) and 26/00541/LBC (impact 6/10).
• Hotel Indigo on York Place (51-59 York Place) seeks permission for a single-storey rear extension to add eight guest rooms and update the rear facade, referenced as 26/00555/LBC with an impact rating of 5/10.​
• An application to change the use of the building at 5-6 The Shore (former George Brown building, now operating as Brown’s of Leith under Custom Lane and creative direction of Gunnar Groves-Raines) to mixed use has been lodged, despite the venue already opening.​
• Property owners must obtain correct consents starting with a planning application, progressing to a completion certificate; large developments like student accommodation may go to the government Reporter after council refusal, and alterations to listed buildings require listed building consent handled simultaneously.​

Inverted Pyramid

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) 25 February 2026 – Planning applications lodged with the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning department up to this week highlight a mix of sustainability upgrades, accessibility improvements, hospitality expansions, and venue repurposing across the city, as summarised in the official weekly list released on 23 February 2026.

These submissions reflect ongoing efforts to balance modern development with heritage preservation in Scotland’s capital. Among the notable proposals are green energy installations in suburban areas and enhancements to central landmarks. Councillors and residents will scrutinise these as they progress through validation and decision stages.​

What Solar Upgrade Is Planned for Balerno Police Station?

As reported in the City of Edinburgh Council’s weekly planning list, Balerno Village Trust of 2 Main Street, Balerno, Edinburgh EH14 7EH, has applied to add solar photovoltaic (PV) cells to the flat roof at Balerno Police Station on Bridge Street. This initiative aims to harness renewable energy on a community asset, aligning with broader net-zero goals.

The application forms part of the council’s Part A weekly list published on 23 February 2026, detailing permissions within Edinburgh boundaries. No specific reference number was listed in initial reports, but it underscores local trusts’ role in sustainable retrofits for public buildings. The trust, focused on village enhancement, seeks to improve environmental credentials without altering the building’s external appearance significantly.

Why Is a Glass Lift Proposed for Signet Library?

A planning application has been made to install a new glass lift at the Signet Library in Parliament Square, Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, which would make the historic building accessible for the first time. Referenced as 26/00526/LBC and received on 11 February 2026, the ‘through-the-floor’ lift targets step-free access to the upper landing, earning an impact rating of 4/10 from local commentators.

As detailed by contributors on Reddit’s r/Edinburgh forum in a post on planning applications for the fortnight starting 19 February 2026, the lift addresses longstanding accessibility barriers in this Category A listed neoclassical gem, home to the Society of Writers to Her Majesty’s Signet. The status remains “Awaiting Assessment,” promising inclusivity for visitors with mobility needs while preserving architectural integrity.

Who Is Behind the Hotel Plans at 204 Rose Street?

An application has been lodged by Laclan Stewart of Anta Scotland Ltd, the property owners, to form a hotel with a café/bar area in the roof at 204 Rose Street, New Town, Edinburgh EH2 4AZ, accompanied by a change of use. This boutique conversion of the B-listed former Rose Theatre includes external modifications, rooftop amenities, and a full internal retrofit, with references 26/00544/FUL (impact 7/10) and 26/00541/LBC (impact 6/10).

As reported by City Scope in their planning tracker, the project shifts the site from cultural to visitor accommodation use, retaining the building shell. Earlier coverage in Hotel Scotland Online on 30 June 2025 noted a partnership with Bomporto for the upper floors into hotel rooms, ground-floor Anta retail, and rooftop bar, addressing past stalled proposals due to sanctuary space constraints.

A planning statement emphasised economic viability through substantial investment:

“If the sanctuary space were directly accessible from street level, converting it into a hotel lobby or reception area would be more practical. In its current location, the space occupies too much floor area and would impede the economic viability of the development.”

Built in 1912 as an Edwardian Baroque chapel, the property has seen multiple development bids, now under council review.

What Extension Does Hotel Indigo Seek on York Place?

Hotel Indigo on York Place has applied for permission to form a single-storey extension to the rear of the building at 51-59 York Place, New Town, Edinburgh EH1 3JD. Referenced as 26/00555/LBC with a 5/10 impact rating, it proposes eight additional guest rooms and rear facade updates.

Local planning watchers on Reddit highlighted this in their 19 February 2026 update, noting alignment with the hotel’s expansion needs in a prime location near Princes Street. The IHG-operated property, known for stylish rooms and city-centre convenience, aims to boost capacity without major height changes.

What Change of Use Is Sought for 5-6 The Shore?

An application has been made to change the use of the building at 5-6 The Shore to a mixed-use building, the former George Brown & Sons Engineering Works, already opened as a venue. Custom Lane, running Brown’s of Leith under the creative direction of Gunnar Groves-Raines, has been approached for comment on the timing, as the site now hosts food, drink, and arts initiatives from teams like Timberyard and Civerino’s.

As covered by SLTN (Scottish Licensed Trade News) on 11 November 2025, Gunnar Groves-Raines, director of Groves-Raines Architects Studios, manages the space as an extension of Custom Lane across the Water of Leith, vacated by the engineering firm last year.

The proposal regularises operations in Leith’s vibrant hospitality hub, promising to unite food, drink, and arts with an opening eyed for late 2025. No specific reference was detailed, but it follows the venue’s soft launch.​

What Is the Planning Application Process in Edinburgh?

Any property owner seeking to build, improve, or alter their home or commercial premises must have the correct consents, beginning with a planning application and usually progressing to a completion certificate. The City of Edinburgh Council publishes weekly lists, such as the 23 February 2026 edition, covering Part A applications.

Some applications for large developments, such as purpose-built student accommodation, have been referred to the government Reporter after council refusal. Alterations to listed buildings, like those at Signet Library or Rose Street, may also need listed building consent (LBC), dealt with simultaneously via the council’s portal.

How Do These Applications Impact Edinburgh’s Landscape?

These weekly submissions, tracked by outlets like The Edinburgh Reporter and City Scope, illustrate Edinburgh’s dynamic planning scene amid tourism growth and sustainability drives. Solar additions promote green energy, while hotel expansions capitalise on visitor demand; accessibility lifts honour inclusivity in heritage sites.

Resident feedback via portals and forums shapes outcomes, with impact ratings guiding scrutiny—ranging from 4/10 for the lift to 7/10 for Rose Street’s use shift. As applications await validation, they signal a city evolving responsibly, preserving B- and A-listed facades amid internal modernisations.

Broader Context of Edinburgh’s Planning Trends

Edinburgh’s planning department handles diverse proposals, from rear extensions in suburbs to central mixed-use changes, as seen in fortnightly Reddit roundups by community moderators. Recent lists include similar retrofits, like those at 73 Meadowhouse Road, but this week’s standouts prioritise hospitality and sustainability.