Skyliner flats at Leith Waterfront set for approval despite noise fears

REVISED proposals to build hundreds of flats in four “dominating” tower blocks in Leith are set to be approved despite concerns over noise pollution.
The revised Skyliner plans by S1 DevelopmentsThe revised Skyliner plans by S1 Developments
The revised Skyliner plans by S1 Developments

S1 Developments wants to construct 338 apartments at Ocean Drive in four blocks designed as “fingers”. If the Skyliner plans are approved, two blocks will be 10 stories high, another will be 12 stories in height – while a fourth block, containing 123 flats alone will rise to 14 storeys high.

Despite one of the blocks being 14 stories high, numerous other buildings in the city are taller.

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The ground floor of the build to rent development will include “large areas of shared amenity space” featuring reception areas, a concierge, gyms and lounge space. Communal and private gardens will be provided between two of the blocks and at deck level between the other two buildings. One of the blocks will have a roof terrace. Developers will provide 84 flats for affordable housing – built to the same standards as the rest of the scheme.

Four blocks of flats will be built at Leith Waterfront if planning permission is grantedFour blocks of flats will be built at Leith Waterfront if planning permission is granted
Four blocks of flats will be built at Leith Waterfront if planning permission is granted

Planners have recommended that the city council’s development management sub-committee approve the plans when it meets on Wednesday (25).

The proposals include 71 car parking spaces – while 708 cycles will be accommodated in a “three-tier” storage system. Original proposals have been amended to increase the number of cycle spaces and alter balconies.

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First look at fresh plans for 4 tower blocks overlooking Leith waterfront

In a report to councillors, officials said: “The proposed development is of an acceptable design, scale and density and will provide 338 new homes for the Leith Waterfront area. It will contribute to the wider regeneration of Leith Waterfront through the provision of new housing and commercial units on a

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vacant urban gap site and will provide a new stretch of walkway along the quayside.

“Although concerns have been raised about noise pollution, these have been mitigated by conditions.”

CALA won planning permission for a residential development for the neighbouring site in August 2016 and is currently under construction. The S1 plans to be considered by councillors next week have tallied up 42 objections and not a single letter of support.

Jennifer Marlborough, secretary of Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council, said the scheme “does not reflect the heritage of the area.”

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She added: “The buildings are too tall and bulky, dominating the adjacent other developments in the area. They further erode views to the waterfront.

“The increased size of the community, a result of this application and the adjacent CALA development, will put greater pressure on the very limited accessible green space and play areas. Neither development has made proper provision for this so they do not meet the requirements.”

In planning documents submitted to planners, S1 Developments say the proposals will provide a “high quality development with a carefully selected palette of materials” that will “enhance the quality of the areas, while setting a new precedent for future developments”.

The company has also highlighted plans to create a “large publicly accessible boardwalk along the edge of the Albert Dock linking through to the existing boardwalk at Ocean Terminal.”