Controversial student flats in Edinburgh's Bruntsfield approved despite more than 200 objections
There had been hundreds of objections lodged against the development
Developers have been given the go-ahead for controversial purpose-built student accommodation after winning an appeal against Edinburgh council’s refusal of the plans.
The proposal to demolish the former Scottish War Blinded building in Bruntsfield and replace it with a 124-bed student development was granted permission by a Scottish Government planning reporter.
The five-storey, L-shaped building to be sited at 50 Gillespie Crescent, close to Bruntsfield Links and the Meadows, will have 112 cluster apartment bedrooms and 12 large self-contained studio rooms, along with social and games areas. And the development will use air source heat pumps and solar panels.
There were a total of 232 objections to the application, including claims the proposed development was too large and "overbearing" and would mean a loss of sunlight and privacy.
The council refused the proposal in November, saying the density, positioning, scale and style of the development meant it would harm the character of the Marchmont, Meadows and Bruntsfield conservation area.
However, the planning reporter allowed the appeal. He said the neighbouring sheltered housing development already contrasted with more traditional tenements and the proposed building would be around the same height as other buildings nearby.
He concluded that the proposed development was in line with the relevant aspects of the council's development plan and there were "no material considerations that would justify refusing planning permission".
Gavin Douglas, from York-based developers S Harrison, said: “Securing planning permission for 50 Gillespie Crescent is a significant milestone and brings forward an increasingly rare PBSA opportunity in this part of Edinburgh, making this a particularly compelling proposition.
“The site combines an outstanding location with excellent transport links, extensive local amenities and direct access to local open spaces. The approved scheme is designed to provide high-quality accommodation, creating an attractive, communal environment for students and a high-quality addition to the area.
“With planning permission now secured, we plan to engage with PBSA developers, investors and operators looking to capitalise on the continued strength of Edinburgh’s student accommodation market.”
The site where the new student accommodation will be built covers an area of around 0.23 ha and sits within the former grounds of Gillespie’s Hospital which was constructed in 1801.
The Royal Blind Asylum and School took on the site in 1922 and built the current building in 1930. The building is the last remaining building of the Royal Blind Asylum that used to occupy a large site to the south of Gillespie Crescent.
The building was most recently used as an office by Sight Scotland but has been empty for some time.