Stay of execution provided for capital’s outdoor seating blocks

OPERATORS of outdoor cafe, bar and restaurant seating blocks in Edinburgh have been given permission to continue their activities, until early October.

Two days ago, members of the local authority’s planning committee agreed to approve a recommendation – here – that the seating can remain in place, at least for the next few months: until October 7.

The exception is when there might be an impact on car parking for people with a disability, or on taxi ranks or when there is what is considered to be an ‘obstruction’.

The reprieve applies whether or not planning permission has been approved.

The decision reflects a similarly ‘relaxed’ view of the Scottish Government’s chief planner, who has set a deadline for removal of the end of September.

Pictured: Edinburgh’s Cockburn Street, Picture credit: Place Design Scotland