Unesco has launched an official inquiry into Edinburgh’s World Heritage status following the granting of consent for Mountgrange’s Caltongate scheme.
The 6.5-acre development, which will see two listed buildings demolished, was approved last month despite around 1,800 objections being received.
Unesco’s inquiry could result in the city being stripped of its title.
The Scottish government has been condemned for failing to consult with Unesco before coming to a final decision on the scheme.
Caltongate will consist of 185,000 sq ft of offices, 200 flats, an arts quarter, and a 205-bedroom hotel and conference centre in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The inquiry will also examine the proposed redevelopment of Leith’s docklands over the next 20 years and the planned refurbishment of the St James Centre.
Unesco inspectors will visit Edinburgh later this year to assess its state of conservation. The Scottish government has been ordered to submit its own dossier by February 2009.
A final decision on whether Edinburgh will be placed on the ‘at risk’ register will be made at the 2009 Unesco Summit in Seville.
