Kaplan to Appeal Improvement Notice
20th Jan 2020
Plans to develop a block of student accommodation in Gorgie Road have been refused planning permission.
Structured House Group was seeking to demolish the existing Scotmid store at 236 Gorgie Road, replacing it with a modern supermarket below a new block of student accommodation.
The 152-bed scheme was to be managed by Structured House Group's property management arm BOHO.
Whilst Manson Architects argued the site would have provided a boost to the local area, councillors refused the plans due to the impact they would have on neighbouring properties.
Commenting on the application, chief planning officers David Leslie, said: "It would offer little in terms of amenity - only eight per cent of the site would be soft landscaping."
"It would lead to quite an enclosed feeling for residents, particularly on the west side of the site. It would have an adverse impact by virtue of its mass, height and footprint."
Meanwhile, planning convener Neil Gardiner added: "I do have concerns about amenity of the tenements particularly in Smithfield Street - it's about 18 metres, window to window."
"I think it's over-development in the back area and it's a substantial reduction in the amenity of largely residential blocks. I think we are undermining the long-term liveability of these flats."
