PLANNERS in Edinburgh have recommended approval of a controversial application for 11 flats on a site next to the Royal Botanic Garden, writes Chris Holme.

Developer AMA Newtown wants to build on the site in Inverleith Place, but residents and other bodies have waged a campaign over the past three years against various proposals.

This culminated in a petition for judicial review at the Court of Session. In his judgment, Lord Osborne raised criticism of the advice given to the development control sub-committee and sent the application back to the council.

The site is adjacent to an Edinburgh College of Art building and the plan also includes proposals for two mews cottages.

Critics said the development would spoil the outlook of the Botanic Garden, run against the council's own policies and was inappropriate for a such an important conservation area.