Tuesday July 29th 2025
Office block next to Bonnyrigg Parish Church
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A fresh bid to convert an office block into a new venture has been launched with plans to turn the ground floor into shops.
The building, next to Bonnyrigg Parish Chuch, on the town’s High Street, has seen plans approved over the last few years for a restaurant on the ground floor and hotel above it.
The latest plans lodged with Midlothian Council propose a change of use from offices to retail.
The plans, lodged by Ross Fenty, would see five new retail units created in the building as well as a single storey extension at the rear.
Three years ago the council approved plans for a restaurant in the offices despite objections from Bonnyrigg Parish Church, which is next door.
At the time the church raised concerns about noise from ventilation units disturbing services and ceremonies.
A year later plans to turn the upstairs of the offices, which were not in use, into a 10-bedroom hotel were also approved by the local authority planners.
On both occasions planners ruled that a lack of neighbouring residential properties meant the changes of use were unlikely to impact on the amenity of the surroundings.
The new plans lodged with the council include a cafe/restaurant facility in part of the large office building’s ground floor but propose five separate retail units within the property as well.
The plans are available to view on the council’s planning portal.
Tweet Share on Facebook
