Upmarket furniture manufacturer Charlotte James Furniture is to appeal after its expansion plans were blocked.
The company wanted to build a warehouse on the Pentland Industrial Estate, Loanhead, Midlothian next to its workshop and showroom. Midlothian Council planning officials rejected eh application saying it would be ‘very prominent’ and detract from the ‘character and appearance of the surrounding area’.
They also said it would see the loss of nine mature trees, meaning 27 replacement trees would have to be planted but the site did not have room for this.
‘Due to the lack of suitable vacant premises within the existing industrial estate and given Charlotte James have occupied the site for a decade, alongside local employee considerations, it was concluded the preferred option was to seek permission to build the required additional space within the existing development site. Given the importance to the future expansion and growth plans for the associated business the applicant would welcome the reconsideration of this decision,’ says the appeal.