Vita Group Granted Planning Permission for 267-bed PBSA at New Waverley

Vita Group has successfully secured planning permission for a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) building at New Waverley North in Edinburgh. The proposal, which was approved during a recent planning meeting held by the City of Edinburgh Council's Development Management sub-committee, marks a significant milestone in the £240 million New Waverley regeneration project.

Upon completion, this Vita Student residence will become the third of its kind in Edinburgh, joining existing sites located on Fountainbridge and Iona Street. The development aims to provide best-in-class student accommodation, comprising 207 high-quality studio apartments and 60 cluster rooms. Alongside these living spaces, the building will feature a range of amenities, including a state-of-the-art gym and various social and study spaces, all designed to enhance the overall student experience.

Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer for Vita Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the planning approval, emphasizing its positive impact on Edinburgh's housing market. He highlighted the city's ongoing need for student housing and underscored Vita Group's commitment to delivering top-notch accommodation that enhances the overall student living experience.

Bielby stated, "Edinburgh's undersupply of student housing causes pressures across Edinburgh's housing market, so this planning consent should be seen as a win for the city as well as the Vita Student brand as we continue to grow our presence within the city, delivering the very best student living experience. Now we can move onto the next phase of delivering this fantastic scheme in the New Waverley masterplan and realize the site's potential, bringing further investment into the city and along with it adding to the city's affordable homes."

The planning and heritage consultancy firm Turley provided independent advice on behalf of Vita Group throughout the planning process. Colin Smith, Director and Head of Planning Scotland at Turley, lauded the approval as a boon for the city, particularly its central area. Smith emphasized that the development aligns with key sustainability goals outlined in the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) by maximizing the use of brownfield land and offering high-quality accommodation close to the university.