Plans for student flats at the site of a Scottish football legend’s former pub have been approved.

The Scottish Government supported an appeal over the proposals for student flats at the site of the pub of one of the most famous players in the city’s football history.

The site of The Right Wing, one of Hibernian Football Club’s Famous Five legends Gordon Smith’s pub, later called the Radical Road, has been cleared for development.

The proposals for 138 student flats are for a site at Willowbrae Road in Edinburgh that had earlier consent for 48 homes.

Developer 83S Student Residence, who submitted designs by One Foot Square and KED Properties, appealed against City of Edinburgh Council’s “failure to give a decision”.

Keith Bray, Scottish Government Reporter, has found in favour of the developer so that permission has been granted.

Mr Bray said there had been 57 comments made in support and 128 objecting to the application lodged last year.

He went on to say among his comments in the decision: “The lack of adaptability of student housing to accommodate mainstream residential housing in the future is also raised. In that respect, I find that the appellant has indicated that the construction of the building would be such to create flexibility for future uses.

“Lack of sustainability measures are also raised but do not highlight where the proposal would be deficient in terms of planning policy in that respect.

“I have not identified a justification (policy or otherwise) to require a cumulative impact assessment regarding the effects of existing consents for student housing in the wider area.”

He also said: “In my view, this extant consent supports the overall appearance of the appeal proposal.”

Mr Bray added: “I therefore conclude … that the proposed development accords overall with the relevant provisions of the development plan and that there are no material considerations which, in my view, would still justify refusing to grant planning permission.”


Stagecoach bus drivers receive 'inflation beating' pay rise

 

Around 300 bus drivers are set for a significant pay uplift after a successful series of talks

Unite the Union said that around 300 Stagecoach drivers in Strathtay and Perth have overwhelmingly backed the pay rise which has been described as “inflation beating”. The 16-month pay deal will see Stagecoach drivers across Strathtay and Perth receiving a 7.1 per cent pay award with the deal coming into effect on 1 September 2024. 


'Iconic' North Lanarkshire church and estate for sale

 

An “iconic” parish church and estate in North Lanarkshire, billed as suitable for development, has been put up for sale.

Bargeddie Parish Church, based in a “strategic and convenient location” close to the M8 motorway and railway station, includes four detached buildings and an extensive plot of land to the rear of a self-contained, 2.5-acre site.

It has been brought to the market by Shepherd Chartered Surveyors. The agent noted that the church on Manse Road features an open-plan worshiping area on the ground floor, with a full gallery positioned on the first level and administrative offices to the rear.