Plans for a new slots venue in Edinburgh’s West End have been halted after the City of Edinburgh Council’s Planning Local Review Body upheld the refusal of planning permission. The proposal, submitted by Merkur Casino, sought to turn the former Carpet Rite showroom at 181 Morrison Street into a 24-hour slots parlour. The retail unit has been vacant for over a year.

Council officers had already recommended rejecting the plan, and during a meeting on Wednesday, August 13, members of the Planning Local Review Body agreed to dismiss Merkur’s appeal.

Hours Reduced in Appeal, But Concerns Remained

Merkur, which already operates two Edinburgh locations on Nicolson Street and Leith Walk, argued in its appeal that it would accept reduced opening hours—operating from 8am until midnight rather than round-the-clock—to address community concerns. Its other Edinburgh venues currently run on a 24-hour basis.

Despite this concession, councillors concluded the proposed venue would still cause disruption to the surrounding area.

According to Edinburgh News, SNP councillor David Key noted: “Most of the objections are based around the hours of opening, which are 24 hours a day. So now that applicants have changed the hours of opening – they’ve cut the legs off a lot of objectors. So does this make the process rather unfair on the residents, local residents that we might approve something that they have not been consulted on?”

Green councillor and committee convener Alys Mumford responded that objectors would have been informed when the revised hours were submitted as part of the appeal. In total, 54 objections were lodged by residents and community groups.

Location and Amenity Issues Highlighted by Councillors

For some councillors, the concerns extended well beyond operating hours. Conservative councillor Joanna Mowat argued: “Councillor Key said the objections are about hours. I don’t think the objections are about hours, I think the objections are very, very clear about the impact on residential amenity. And anyone who knows Morrison Street well knows how that street changes as you walk up it. The pattern of use changes from Haymarket going up, where it is busier at the Haymarket end, this bit is a much more residential end. This is a completely inappropriate place for this type of activity, if you know the area well. The shops and restaurants are much smaller, much more local, much more neighbourhood, and having something that will act as a pull is completely inappropriate for the area.”

Labour councillor Tim Pogson expressed hesitation in fully dismissing the concept of the venue, acknowledging that “it clearly serves a purpose for some.” However, his main concern focused on the proximity of residential properties and the potential for noise, even with claims that only background music would be played. “I can’t think of anything worse than trying to sleep while there was this muted background music coming from the premises down below,” he said. While the proposed shorter hours eased his concerns slightly, he ultimately supported the committee’s decision.

Mumford added: “The applicant has shown a willingness to talk about opening times. But I think, as the point made by Councillor Key, is that it has not been tested with residents. I agree with Councillor Mowat that the main objections are about the appropriateness of this building in this setting, rather than just a late night.”

With the majority in agreement, the committee voted to reject the appeal. Liberal Democrat councillor Hal Osler was unable to participate in the final decision due to an internet connection failure during the vote.