LASplanning LLP scoped, assessed and compiled a change of use application for operation as a café in the Shandon area of Edinburgh. The café, Tea and Sympathy had been in operation for 5 years (opened in 2017), concerning a unit which was vacant for 4 years prior to being a Class 1 hairdressers for approximately 30 years. The café is in an area characterised with residential tenements and terraced housing, in addition to a small parade of neighbourhood shops and services.
LASplanning LLP scoped, assessed and compiled a change of use application for operation as a café in the Shandon area of Edinburgh. The café, Tea and Sympathy had been in operation for 5 years (opened in 2017), concerning a unit which was vacant for 4 years prior to being a Class 1 hairdressers for approximately 30 years. The café is in an area characterised with residential tenements and terraced housing, in addition to a small parade of neighbourhood shops and services.
Image copyright: Tea & Sympathy Edinburgh
The work undertaken by LASplaning LLP, provided planning justification and supporting information for the change of use. In doing this, it was recognised that Edinburgh City Council has supported changing demands in retail floorspace, specifically that retail is not as essential to support the vitality and viability of a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood area.
Images copyright: Tea & Sympathy Edinburgh
The planning application was compiled and submitted in line with the Client’s brief and to ensure compliance with the Edinburgh City Plan Local Development Plan 2030 (September 2021). In doing this, it was recognised that the café is an established and proven business which helps locally to ensure that individuals, communities and visitors within the immediate locale are afforded the opportunity to access hospitality services. The café is conveniently located, reducing the need to rely on car or bus travel elsewhere. The opportunity to support local business investment and the provision of local facilities within an existing building unit, ensures that communities associate positively with the neighbourhood.
The café has become a hub of the community used and valued by locals, including becoming a location for those working from home to socially interact. The clientele includes all ages and many elderly people also come regularly to enjoy social interaction. The cafe therefore instils a sense of pride in place for people within the local community.
It was also highlighted that the proposed use makes a meaningful and sustained contribution to local employment opportunities within the immediate area of the application site.
Following submission of the planning application…
Following submission of the planning application, LASplanning LLP worked closely with Edinburgh City Council’s planning department to achieve a mutually agreed outcome. During Edinburgh City Council’s assessment of the planning application, a noise assessment was requested. LASplanning LLP worked closely with Ellendale Environmental who compiled the noise assessment meeting Environmental Health’s criteria. This was accepted and planning consent was granted on 21st November 2022.
Tea & Sympathy – Background
‘Tea & Sympathy is a welcoming, homely hangout in the heart of Shandon. We offer good coffee, sweet treats and a range of delicious toasted sandwiches, melts, filled rolls and gourmet hand made Scotch eggs.
We also have a selection of specially selected items which includes a range of art work, kitchenware, greetings cards and much more!
As we strive to be an important business in the community we are also dog and child friendly! Making sure that everyone feels welcome.’
This case study is compiled using publicly available information and is a factual representation of activities undertaken
More Information
If you would like to find out more about this project, or how we could assist you with your plans, please do not hesitate to reach out to LASplanning.
‘Ellendale Environmental was very pleased to be able to work with Lorna at LASplanning LLP on a planning application in Edinburgh, where she led the project in a very professional and approachable manner. Lorna was on hand to answer any queries and communicated well with us and our client. The team, led by Lorna, was successful in securing planning consent for the site and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or work with LASplanning LLP again.’
‘We recently worked with LAS Planning on a planning application for a holiday lodge development and found Lorna to be pleasure to work with. She was very proactive, responsive and organised, which enabled our work to be undertaken efficiently. We would highly recommend LAS Planning to anyone looking for a friendly and experienced planning consultant.’
‘We were delighted to be part of the LASplanning team advising on the economic and business case for a luxury lodge development in Aberdeenshire. Lorna and the team were astute planning leads and project managers, overseeing all technical consultant in a competent and timely manner. With a robust and independent evidence case presented to the Council, one which stood up to external challenge. It would be a pleasure to work with LASplanning again.’
‘Having collaborated with Lorna at LASPlanning on a recent planning application, we found her a joy to work with. Her planning expertise was invaluable in streamlining the process and she was also able to keep a multi-disciplined design team informed throughout. One of the most organised planners we have had the pleasure of working with.’
‘I cannot thank LASplanning enough for their professionalism and efficiency in assisting me with my planning application. Lorna’s support throughout the process has been excellent. Lorna has always been very happy to go the extra mile in her explanation of anything we were unsure of. Thank you, Lorna’
LASplanning Secure Planning Permission for a Permanent Gypsy Traveller Site
Since 2020, LASplanning have been pleased to represent a client who sought to provide for his extended family as members of the Gypsy/Traveller community.
The decision now by Aberdeenshire Council to approve the site in line with the recommendation of the Council’s Planning Authority report, is welcomed; not least as this is understood to be the first such approval of this nature within the Council area in recent years.
In doing so Aberdeenshire Council and the planning officer/s responsible for the case have recognised the distinct and specific needs of the Gypsy/Traveller community in addition to accepting that appropriate sites for such development can help to ensure diverse communities and to meet unmet demand.
Of particular note is this extract from the Council Committee Report which states;
“… The Council will also continue to seek the provision of alternative permanent sites for the use of the Gypsy/Traveller community in appropriate locations through its Site Provision Strategy and allocation in the Local Development Plan….”
The services provided by LASplanning were those of professional Chartered Town Planning consultancy delivered and co-ordinated by practice principal Lorna Sim.
Project Components
The key requirements of this project required LASplanning to work as part of a larger project team including an Architect and a Water and Drainage Engineer. LASplanning worked with their Client to establish a site layout which respected the rural setting and nearby properties, whilst making best use of the site and Client requirements.
Following submission of this planning application, LASplanning worked closely with Aberdeenshire Council to establish a workable solution to issues which arose. This involved a partnership approach with the Council and the larger project team to ensure timely solutions were established. These solutions required LASplanning’s Client to prioritise their requirements and to work collectively with the Council and respective professional advisors to achieve the optimum development solution.
More Information
If you would like to find out more about this project, or how we could assist you with your plans, please do not hesitate to reach out to LASplanning.
Since 2020, LASplanning have been pleased to represent a client who sought to provide for his extended family as members of the Gypsy/Traveller community.
The decision now by Aberdeenshire Council to approve the site in line with the recommendation of the Council Planning Authority report, is welcomed; not least as this is understood to be the first such approval of this nature within the Council area in recent years.
In doing so Aberdeenshire Council and the planning officer/s responsible for the case have recognised the distinct and specific needs of the Gypsy/Traveller community in addition to accepting that appropriate sites for such development can help to ensure diverse communities and to meet unmet demand.
“… The Council will also continue to seek the provision of alternative permanent sites for the use of the Gypsy/Traveller community in appropriate locations through its Site Provision Strategy and allocation in the Local Development Plan….” (Paragraph 7.3, Aberdeenshire Council Committee Report, 18 November 2021)
LASplanning therefore look forward to monitoring across the Council area how the future needs of the Gypsy/Traveller community are met and stand ready to assist the Council or other interested parties in progressing related proposals or those which may now follow.
The services provided by LASplanning were those of professional Chartered Town Planning consultancy delivered and co-ordinated by practice principal Lorna Sim.
