PLANS for a large student accommodation building have been resubmitted despite previous objections.
The flats are set to be built on Gillespie Crescent, and first require an unused charity building to be knocked down.
The plan, which contains 131 student bedrooms, is said to have undergone rigorous reviews to address all previous comments.
Its location, within one of Edinburgh’s conservation areas, means the development is under significant scrutiny from council and community members.
Plans for a “demolition to facilitate student accommodation” were recently submitted to the council – though a previous proposal was rejected in 2023.
The last plan, which proposed accommodation with a cinema, gym, and shared lounge, was critiqued due to its lack of outside space and access to sunlight.
Now, fresh plans have been made, acknowledging previous shortfalls at the design stage.
They include 228sqm of student amenities, such as places for socialising and studying, as the location serves both the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier.
Some bedrooms are within cluster flats, whilst 10% are studios which include accessible bedrooms.
The developer, S Harrison Developments Limited, has said that the new design aims to preserve or enhance the conservation area due to its proximity to the category A listed Barclay-Bruntsfield Church.
The existing building on the lot belongs to Sight Scotland, which used it as a head office building until it was deemed no longer fit for purpose.
The charity, which supports those impacted by visual impairment, has also asked for permission for the site to be demolished, though a similar application was lodged in 2020.
Developers held a public information session regarding the flats earlier this year, in advance of their proposal submission.
