Floating hotels coming to Edinburgh

Controversial plans for floating hotels in Edinburgh are being given the go-ahead after all.

The Scottish Government's overturned an Edinburgh city council decision to reject the proposal for the so-called 'boatels' on the Union Canal.

It means 5 of the vessels will be allowed to park opposite Boroughmuir High School in Fountainbridge - despite hundreds of objections.

Natalie McLachlan who runs the Four Sisters Boatel in the nearby Lochrin Basin says the Scottish capital doesn't need more short-term accomodation.

She told Forth News: "I would really love to have seen local people owning boats independently along the canal with different businesses such as art galleries, and workshops, and cafes.

"The Edinburgh community never got to have any input into how the canal was going to be used. It would have been nice to have the local input, and ask people who actually will be using the canal what they want to do with it.

"It is a bit of a shame for Boroughmuir High School who don't now have access to the canal outside of their school.

"There are a lot of residents who stay on the opposite side of the canal who are concerned specifically about noise."

The five 'floatels' by the Edinburgh Boatel company have now been granted planning permission at an appeal after Edinburgh City Council’s development management sub-committee rejected the plans in April 2019, despite being recommended for approval by officials.

Almost 300 residents objected to the proposals – with fears raised it could prevent pupils at Boroughmuir High from using the calanside for any future projects including for sport and recreation.

Each boatel, designed as Scandinavian narrow boats, will contain a double room and a bunk room – along with a separate bathroom and an open plan saloon or dining area. Boatel guests are expected to be families or "commercial executives looking for an unusual leisure experience."

In her decision notice, Karen Heywood, the Scottish Government’s assistant chief reporter, said that the plan "accords overall with the relevant provisions of the development plan and that there are no material considerations which would justify a refusal of planning permission."

The reporter added that Scottish Canals, which is the navigation authority acting on behalf of the Scottish Government, has highlighted that the "primary function of the canal is for powered licensed craft for leisure use" and that all other uses, including that of the school "are subordinate."

She added: "To my mind, it would be extremely foolish to disregard the advice of the official body charged with access and safety.

"I conclude that the hotel boats would comply with policy as they would provide an attractive frontage to the canal, maintain public access along the canal side and the canal itself; and, although they would prevent access to the canal by the school’s canoe club, such access should not be encouraged in this location."

In submissions handed over to the Scottish Government, the Edinburgh Boatel company, said the floating hotels would 'compliment recreational use of the canal and protect the amenity of the area.'

The company added: 'The proposal maximises commercial gain for Scottish Canals and will generate additional revenue for nearby businesses. We intend to work with these businesses to promote their products and services to our guests as part of the overall living on canal experience.

'For recreational use of the canal by Boroughmuir High School pupils, there are other more suitable and safer access points on the canal a short walk from the school that will not require any additional funding or management time. By working with partners, the school can implement these initiatives sooner than would be the case if they tried to undertake them on their own.'