Major developments in the capital should be halted until an investigation into Edinburgh`s World Heritage status is completed, the head of Unesco warned yesterday.

Koichiro Matsuura, the director-general of the UN cultural body, believes no more decisions should be taken on key projects like Caltongate and Haymarket until the results of a year-long probe are published.

A team of inspectors will visit the capital in November after Unesco`s world heritage committee ordered an investigation into Edinburgh`s World Heritage Site. A report, due to be published in the spring, will recommend whether Edinburgh is placed on Unesco`s official "at risk" list of endangered sites.

The main trigger for the probe was the city council`s decision to approve the £300 million Caltongate scheme, earmarked for land on and around the site of a former bus depot, in the Old Town. Two listed buildings face demolition to make way for a five-star hotel and conference centre, which will have an entrance on the Royal Mile.

Final approval has yet to be given by the council and the Scottish Government.

Just weeks before Unesco`s world heritage committee was due to meet, council planners approved the £200 million Haymarket scheme, which involves the creation of a 17-storey five-star hotel development.

Unesco also made clear that its investigation would cover the proposed redevelopment of the St James Centre, which the council is due to rule on for the first time later this year. Widespread fears have been aired about the impact a new landmark building will have on the skyline.
www.scottisharchitecture.com/news/read/Edinburgh+heritage+status+is+at+risk%2C+says+Director+General+of+Unesco