Wednesday February 25th 2026
The former RBS branch sits on the corner of Bernard Street and Constitution Street
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Joe Sullivan
Sign off has been given to convert a closed bank to 13 serviced apartments after a decision by Edinburgh councillors.
The former RBS branch sits on the corner of Bernard Street and Constitution Street, and sits about 50 metres from The Shore tram stop.
Locals had objected to the plans over loss of residential amenity, the number of serviced apartments already in place and the loss of a commercial space in the areas.
Some also lamented the fact that it was not becoming a flat development, rather than visitor accommodation.
The existing building would be retained, with mild external changes and work undertaken to build the serviced apartments inside.
During the proceedings at Wednesday’s development management committee meeting, councillors expressed sympathy for local residents who were opposed to the change.
SNP councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “I think it clearly has been a commercial building for as long as I can remember, which is going back quite a few decades now.
“But I do understand the local residents’ desire that it could become another set of flats for local residents.
“But given that it has been clearly commercial, I don’t see that I would be able to oppose the officers’ recommendation to grant.”
Councillors also got into a discussion over some of the plans for the building, which include removing an existing lift.
Green councillor Alys Mumford said: “I completely understand the concerns of the residents that this is a different type of commercial, and that it is accommodation.
“The real concern I have, and I appreciate that this is not something for the planning committee, is the removal of the lift, I think that’s a real shame.
“It’s so unusual to get heritage buildings with a lift in, and that it is being removed, I do think has an impact on the future usability of this building whether it is residential or commercial.”
Cllr McNeese-Mechan asked officers if it would be possible for the committee to require a lift be retained inside the building.
An officer replied that councillors had to consider what was in front of them, and that the council’s planning service continued to recommend granting the application as proposed.
Committee convener Hal Osler proposed that the committee grant the application, saying: “I think the facts have been very well explained in this case as to why the officers have recommended granting.
“I would suggest the fact that we support the officer’s recommendation and grant this application.”
Cllr McNeese-Mechan tried to put forward a position of refusal around the removal of the lift, but it was voted down.
A second vote was then held to consent modifications to a listed building, with the position to grant also winning out.
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