Developers face refusal from planners for student flats at Northfield House Hotel

Proposals to demolish a 19th-century hotel and replace it with student flats are set to be rejected by Edinburgh City Council.

Artist's rendition of the proposed redevelopment

Property developers Audley (Edinburgh) Limited, which is registered in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, wants to demolish the Northfield House Hotel on Lasswade Road, Liberton.

The developer’s plans would see the historic hotel, which dates back to 1870, replaced with a five-storey student accommodation block with 103 bedrooms.

So far 98 objections have been lodged with the council by those opposed to the plan, along with 28 letters of support for the proposed redevelopment.

Objectors have raised concern over the perceived over-provision of student accommodation in the area, as well as the need for affordable housing in the area, and the size and scale of the proposed development.

Student accommodation has sparked controversy at several sites in the city, prompting calls for stricter controls on the number of new flats being developed.

Supporters of the proposals say the students will bring economic benefits to the area, and that making bespoke student accommodation available will reduce the demand, and therefore the cost, for rented flats in the area.

A design statement, submitted by capital-based architects 56three, on behalf of the development firm, reads: “The house operates as a hotel and restaurant, with four en-suite bedrooms, customer lounge, dining and bar.

“The house has had numerous alterations and extensions over the years, notably the conservatory style restaurant to the south and back of house service areas to the east and north.

“The hotel is currently closed but was previously operating on an ad hoc basis for private functions prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The kitchen and dining facilities were also previously closed to non-residents.

“The owners have reviewed the business model for the hotel and have concluded that the retention of the existing house is not viable.”

“The proposal is to demolish the house to make way for a new purpose built development. The house is not listed and there is limited architectural merit to warrant retention.”

The application is set to be deliberated on by councillors at Wednesday’s development management committee meeting.

However, council planning officers are recommending the proposals be refused.

A report, sent to councillors ahead of the meeting, reads: “The principle of student accommodation is acceptable in this location and the development will not result in an excessive concentration of students in the locality.

“However, the proposal is not of an appropriate scale, form or design and will not draw from positive characteristics of the surrounding area.

“The features worthy of retention within the site have not been identified, incorporated and enhanced through the proposals design.

“The development will have a damaging impact upon the protected trees within the site.

“Whilst adequate levels of cycle parking will be incorporated on site, the proposed cycle stores will not be located in suitable locations and will not be completely weatherproof and secure.

“The proposal does not comply with the Local Development Plan and there are no material planning reasons to justify approval.

“There are no material planning considerations which outweigh this conclusion.”

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