9 hours ago
Plans to demolish Edinburgh offices for hundreds of student flats set to be granted
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Plans to demolish two Edinburgh offices for a mixed-use development comprising hundreds of student beds are set to be granted.
The application, referring to land at 595 and 597 Calder Road, near the A720 City Bypass, will be discussed among councillors during this week's development management sub committee meeting.
It has been listed for a detailed presentation as it is contrary to the development plan and has an outstanding unresolved objection from a statutory consultee. SEPA has also objected to the plans, meaning the Scottish Government will have to be informed of the outcome.
In July 2024 the plans were put forward by HAMCAP Pentland Gait Ltd which would see Currie House and Herriot House demolished.
In their place, a mixed-use development including employment/commercial use and 370 student beds, amended from 382, are proposed. Vehicular access, cycle parking and landscaping are all included.
The student accommodation would consist of cluster and studio flats with over 1,300sqm of office and commercial space with a mezzanine level. The building would be six-storeys high, increasing to seven on the east side.
The commercial/flexible employment part of the building will be two storeys high and will form an enclosed block with a courtyard in the middle with an opening for access on the ground floor to the north of the building.
(Image: Google Maps)
A landscaped area will be provided to the north east of the block. On the ground floor, there will be student amenity space, with direct access to the courtyard, two cluster flats, cycle storage, bin storage and commercial/flexible employment floorspace.
Despite planning officers stating the application is contrary to the local development plan, they have recommended consent be given as it will "re-use previously developed land where buildings are not contributing to the business and industry or economy of the city."
They did, however, add there is a risk of flooding and concerns have been raised by environmental agency SEPA.
The meeting's agenda added: "It will use land more efficiently, is in a sustainable location and the building will be sustainable building. The use of conditions will ensure that landscaping and biodiversity enhancements are appropriate.
"There will not be an adverse impact on the character of the area. Future occupiers will have a good living environment and there will not be an unreasonable loss to neighbouring amenity. In terms of flood risk, the existing building is at risk of flooding and the proposed building will not increase the risk nor adversely impact the flood plain or storage area.
"There are concerns regarding flood conveyance and the proposed use relating to vulnerability (from SEPA). However, there will be no living accommodation on the lower ground floor or the ground floor. Conditions relating to flood design and floor levels will reduce the risk to occupants.
"In this context, the proposal is acceptable, and it is recommended that the application be granted subject to conditions."
The application is set to be discussed during Wednesday's meeting.
