A planning application for a student accommodation development in Edinburgh’s Canongate has been given the green light, following an appeal by property developers to the Scottish Government.
Summix (CGE) Developments and S Harrison have been granted permission for the partial demolition of existing buildings and the delivery of buildings on the site that was once part of the 19th century gasworks at 179A Canongate.
The planning application was initially refused by the City of Edinburgh Council in August.
Located opposite the Holyrood campus of Edinburgh University, the development comprises 76 studio rooms, targeted at postgraduate students. The ground floor will include an open courtyard with sitting areas and planters, internal shared amenity space, plus two study rooms, a gym and a multimedia room.
Substantial elements of the existing historic buildings are incorporated within the proposed redevelopment, along with the demolition of the more recent, 20th century buildings.
New build elements consist of a five-storey building with a triple pitched roof on the west side, dropping down to a two-storey building with duo pitch roof on the east side. Historic perimeter walls will be retained and the original workshop incorporated within the development.
Reusing a current brownfield site, the aim is to make it an energy efficient building, with low and zero carbon emitting equipment incorporated, including air source heat pumps, LED lighting, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and photovoltaic panels.
The government reporter granted planning permission, noting that: “The proposed development supports the delivery of accessible accommodation and is appropriately located in walking distance to education facilities, local amenities and public transport.
“The scale, form and design respects the historic environment and mitigation measures are incorporated to safeguard the amenity of existing and future occupiers.”
David Clancy, director at S Harrison, said: “These proposals will redevelop an unloved site in the heart of the capital and provide much-needed purpose-built student accommodation in a highly sustainable location, situated so close to many university buildings.
“We are pleased to see that the reporter noted that the proposed development does not result in an ‘excessive concentration’ of student accommodation in the area and will fit in with the nearby listed buildings, preserving the character and appearance of the Old Town Conservation Area.”
Stuart Black, development director at Summix, added: “This development will also serve to address an increasing demand for student accommodation, and through this assist in moving students out of homes more appropriate for families and into well-managed accommodation.”
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