Crowded Edinburgh Church’s Plan to Expand Causes Outcry

Plans have been released to expand a hugely popular Edinburgh church in a multi-million pound project. However, ‘Historic Scotland’, which has the aim of safeguarding Scotland's built heritage, has objected to the proposals.

St Paul’s and St George’s Church is only designed to hold a congregation of 350 people, but regularly a congregation attends services of up to twice that number. Squeezing into the church, many worshippers are forced to stand up at the back to attend the service.

The church congregation is also thought to be increasing; hence the £4 million application to extend the church hall to three-storeys at the north end. A glass entrance pavilion is also to be set up at the west end of the church, in addition to extensive further renovations all over the church.

Plans for the new building have taken nearly five years to finalise, but after hearing the proposals Historic Scotland cried out for the protection of the A-listed 19th Century religious site.

The organisation has now submitted a formal objection to the authorities saying, “The scale of the proposed works and their effect on the character of this building of outstanding architectural interest are matters of great concern.”

However, councillors have been recommended to give the green light to the proposals at a formal meeting next week. Alan Henderson, the Edinburgh planning chief reported to the Scotsman.com, “The proposed replacement extension and pavilion are a creative approach to meeting the needs of an expanding church. They comply with the development plan, preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area and the building and its setting.

“The church is keen to promote a modern identity. The proposed pavilion will add variety to the historic streets cape whilst identifying the church as an active community function.”

Church leaders were rumoured to be sad and disappointed at Historic Scotland’s objections to the plans. Rector Richards said, “We were disappointed by the tone and content of Historic Scotland’s objections. These plans are the end result of five years of discussion and thought.

"Twenty years ago, St Paul's and St George's was a dying congregation and the future of the building was in doubt. Today over 800 people of all ages attend its Sunday services and participate in events throughout the week.

"The building works are part of a larger vision, Project 21 that desires to see the ministry of the church expand further. In our opinion, Historic Scotland has underestimated the importance and priority of this.

"It is our belief that these proposals enable us to do what the building was always designed for. They will create a better environment for a large, lively congregation to worship, serve and grow in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town."