Gorgie high-rise proposals brought back down to earth

Published on Saturday 21 February 2009 09:29

A PLANNED high-rise development of more than 700 student flats, which would have dominated the Gorgie skyline, is set to be refused planning permission.

Under the proposals, existing shops, warehouses and flats would be demolished to make way for the two blocks, as well as new shops, including a replacement veterinary practice with 12 private flats above.

The site, opposite the British Telecom offices on Gorgie Road, was described by the council as one of the most significant medieval archaeological sites outwith the Old Town and Leith, and was the site of the Gorgie Mills, Edinburgh's oldest surviving mills.

Council officials have recommended that the plans be refused, saying the height of the buildings is not appropriate and would have a detrimental impact on Edinburgh's skyline.

They also said the towers were "visually obtrusive" and did not meet design standards, particularly as the site lies on one of the key entrances to the city.

Questions have been raised about access to the proposed building, which in the plans is through an existing private access not belonging to the developer.

The proposed 47 car parking spaces are not enough to meet council requirements, and there is also a lack of amenity space provided in the designs.

The proposed 12 and 14-storey towers planned by developers Kenmore Gorgie would contain 12 double studio flats, four four-bedroom flats and 136 five-bedroom flats for students at colleges and universities across the Capital.

The proposal attracted 17 letters of objection from local residents, who were concerned about the effect of the "massive overdevelopment" of the site.

The height of the high-rise buildings was the biggest concern, with local residents worried that they would block sunlight to other premises. There were also fears raised about the effect of moving such a large student population into the area.

Harry Sutherland, chair of the Hutchison/Chesser Community Council, said: "There has been a lot of concern, mainly about the height of these buildings, and I would hope the council will refuse the application."

Heritage watchdog the Cockburn Association has also urged the council to reject the plans.

Cases committee officer Yvonne Holton said: "We welcome the redevelopment of this key site. However, the height and scale of the student residential accommodation is breathtakingly excessive. It is clear that the height of the buildings will dominate and overshadow the existing architecture.

"What is being proposed represents an overdevelopment of the site that will introduce a great number of students into the area, which in turn is likely to affect the existing mix of community."

Developer Kenmore Gorgie was unable to provide a comment.