Hyndland residents are objecting to a proposed new bistro-restaurant in a residential lane.
A number of letters have already been sent off to city planners regarding the proposals at 1 Devonshire Gardens / 1 Montague Lane.
Local councillors also say the plans are inappropriate for the area and go against city plans.
A public meeting about the plans was held recently which was attended by 40 local people and councillors.
But consultants for the applicant Desmond Le Marquand say The Bistro would improve a building that has lain vacant for 10 years.
The applicant says the site is a "vacant garage/ workshop premises on the ground floor and empty space above.
"The property has been vacant for ten years and before that it was the location for a thriving car repair service…
"Indeed the last recorded use of the building was a garage."
The application is for a restaurant with outdoor seating.
The applicant has been in talks with the hotel over how they may work together, but says the bistro would be independent of the hotel chain.
Consultants, Bennett Developments & Consulting, say the area is already commercial given the proximity of Hotel du Vin across the lane.
And consultants say the proposals should be allowed even though they go against city policies that say residential lanes should be protected from commercial business use.
A design statements says: "This vacant property represents an opportunity to animate this part of the lane and to introduce a new dining experience."
But residents have not been convinced by the arguments.
Irene Sime, a resident on Hyndland Road, says the proposed business would not have access to an adequate binstore area.
She said the proposals would also increase the parking headache for local residents.
Local councillor Ken Andrew supports residents' concerns.
He said: "This is quite clearly a residential lane and further commercial development in this locale is completely contrary to City Plan 2 proscribing further development within lanes and particular those that are principally residential.
"That this building was hitherto used as a vehicle repairers is moot as it has not operated in this capacity for many years and what is proposed is completely different in nature and hours of operation."
Local SNP MSP Sandra White formerly objects saying: "The proposed development is very close to residential housing, in a space which was not designed with such a business in mind."
