Not again? Concerns over new student housing development in Leith

Residents have raised concerns about new plans to build yet another block of student flats in Leith.

Developers are about to submit proposals for a six-story building on Iona Street, off Leith Walk, which would house over 500 people across student accommodation and residential flats.  

The development will directly affect residents on Iona Street, Buchanan Street, Albert Street and Sloan Street, who are now joining together to positively influence the development so that it best meets the needs of the local community.

Neighbours are concerned about the density of the proposed development and resulting strain on local services, as well as how it will adversely affect the available light to adjacent and opposite buildings, some of which are only two stories high.

A spokesperson for the new campaign group Save Iona Street, said: “Our hope is that the developers will listen to the community, and change their plans accordingly, ideally to a smaller development that complements the existing atmosphere of the local area and has adequate provisions built in”. 

The Save Iona Street campaign was inspired by the success of Save Leith Walk in responding to demolition plans of the Art Deco sandstone building at Stead’s Place.

On their website, Save Iona Street raise concerns regarding the density of student-only accommodation in Leith, lack of social and affordable housing within the development (currently 12.5%), lack of parking provisions and strain on already stretched public amenities and local services.

“There are already 10 developed or proposed dedicated student accommodations within half a mile of Iona Street. We believe the community needs mixed-housing that welcomes everyone and prioritises affordable and social housing.”

Ben Macpherson, MSP Edinburgh North and Leith said: “I understand why my constituents on Iona Street are concerned about the height of this proposed development, and the detrimental impact that this could have on daylight coming into existing flats.

“I have raised this issue in particular with the developers and urge them to respond to residents’ concerns.  The plans for this proposed development will go through City of Edinburgh Council’s planning process.

“People in Leith, rightly, have strong opinions about the development of their urban environment. That’s why I was glad to help pass the new Planning Act earlier this year, which will better empower communities through increased consultation.

“In the near future, residents will have greater influence at the earliest stages of planning. In the meantime, I urge developers to respond to the views of residents and to work together with communities to deliver good development that reflects local needs and aspirations.”

Residents are now awaiting formal plans to be submitted by the developer, which could be mid-November.

Once submitted, residents have three weeks to submit any objections via the official Edinburgh City Council planning portal.