Purpose-built student accommodation at 36 Russell Road, Roseburn, Edinburgh

“The application proposes the demolition of existing buildings and the development of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) with landscaping, infrastructure, access, and associated works.”

“The colonnade to the front of the building provides a wide path and covered area for all users. This path is 4.5 meters at the widest point at the entrance and 3.4m at its narrowest point along the frontage. Level access is available into the building, pend and lower courtyard areas. Internal lifts provide access to all floors, and refuse points are available at staircases for emergencies.”

“The site is approximately 0.23 hectares and fronts directly onto the western side of Russell Road. There is a single storey building on the site and vehicular access leading to a large hard standing open space. There is a 3-metre difference between the road and upper area of hardstanding. There is a storage shed on the site and some areas of vegetation and a single tree around the boundary of the site.”

“The site was a bowling green until circa 2012, and the last known use was a builder's yard which significantly altered the site including the creation of the vehicular access. The site is currently vacant.”

“17/00077/FUL 36 Russell Road Edinburgh EH11 2LP Student accommodation comprising 266 student bedrooms within 56 apartments with reception, common rooms, car parking, gym, laundry, external open space/public realm, bin + cycle stores, access + infrastructure works along with demolition of existing buildings. withdrawn 30 August 2017”

“25/03492/SCR 36 Russell Road Roseburn Edinburgh EH11 2LP Request for a Screening Opinion under Regulation 8 (1) of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (EIA) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 (the EIA Regulations), in order to determine the Councils views as to whether the proposed development constitutes EIA development. EIA Not Required 8 July 2025”

“The principle of purpose-built student accommodation is acceptable. The site is well connected for local living and access to further and higher education institutions; suitable internal and external amenity will be provided; there is a suitable proportion of studios; and the proposal will not have an adverse impact on the established character of the area, including addressing identified gaps in provision.”

“The proposal has due regard for the climate and nature crisis and has incorporated sustainable measures including appropriate renewable technologies and water management approaches. The proposal is car free with adequate provisions for cycle parking and will support sustainable transport options.”

“NAME: Environmental Protection COMMENT: Environmental Protection has concerns for amenity but does not formally object. They note that the design and layout is as well as it could be due to the constraints on the site. A condition is recommended for contaminated land. DATE: October 2025”

“NAME: Transport Planning COMMENT: No objections subject to appropriate conditions and informatives. DATE: January 2026”

“A total of 12 representations have been received, two neutral comments, and 10 objection comments.”

“- Inappropriate scale for townscape and setting. - Impact to local and key views. - Concern for co-ordinated development and lack of masterplan. - Lack of mainstream and affordable housing as part of the scheme. - Lack of community benefit or integration with the area. - Over intensification of student population and impact on community.”

“25/05524/FUL should be granted. Motion To GRANT planning permission subject to the conditions, reasons and informatives, and a legal agreement, as set out in section C of the report by the Chief Planning Officer.”

“Prior to the commencement of construction, details of the proposed non-glazed cladding, acoustic glazing, and trickle vents specified within the Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) by Sandy Brown consultants, dated 15 August 2025, in Table 6 on page 22 shall be submitted and approved in writing by the Planning Authority.”

“Prior to the commencement of construction, details of the proposed solid acoustic barrier on the southern boundary as specified within the Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) by Sandy Brown consultants, dated 15 August 2025, on page 23 shall be submitted and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. Thereafter, the approved barrier will then be fitted prior to first occupation of the building hereby approved, or as otherwise agreed in writing with the Planning Authority.”