Historic buildings in the Old Town of Edinburgh are to be torn down to make way for student accommodation.
Plans for student flats have been given the green light in the Canongate by the Scottish government on appeal after the City of Edinburgh Council rejected them in August.
London-based Summix (CGE) Developments and S Harrison are now set to start work on 76 studio apartments. The buildings due to be taken down date back to 19 th Century and were part of a gasworks.
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Other existing historic buildings at 179A Canongate are due to be incorporated into the proposed development along with the demolition of the more recent 20th Century buildings.
The Reporter who granted planning permission said that: “The proposed development utilises a brownfield site making efficient use of existing land and buildings.”
“It 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.”
The student accommodation that will be built will consist of 76 'high quality' studio apartments which for postgraduate students. Alongside this the accommodation will have a gym, multimedia room and two study rooms.
David Clancy of S Harrison said: “We’re thrilled our application has been approved by the Scottish Government Reporter.”
“These proposals will redevelop an unloved site in the heart of the capital and provide much-needed PBSA in a highly sustainable location, situated so close to many university buildings.”
David Clancy also noted that he was “pleased to see that the Reporter noted that the proposed PBSA does not result in an ‘excessive concentration’ of student accommodation in the area”
“Our proposals are part of the wider redevelopment of this part of the city centre and will help to bring life and economic activity to the area.”
The developer S Harrison is behind other developments in Edinburgh including planning permission for a PBSA scheme of 64 studio apartments, on East Newington Place, off Newington Road.
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