Tag: planning applications

Eyre Place student housing on hold

Request For Hearing: Planning Application 22/03834/FUL (Student Accommodation) 72-74 Eyre Place   

Foysol Choudhury Labour MSP for Lothian said: “I am delighted the Councillors on the Planning Development Sub Committee have all agreed a Hearing for this application which had almost 400 objections. 

“I was so disappointed the Planning officers were recommending approval of the Eyre Place application.  

“I contacted the Development Management Sub-Committee asking for a Hearing and I am delighted they have agreed to my request.  

“The Hearing will give an opportunity for the concerns of the local residents and groups to be heard. I hope that following the Hearing, Councillors will reject the application.  

“Having visited Eyre Place myself on 23 September 2022 and discussing with the residents of Rodney Place, I concur with their objections.  

“Local residents and community groups object to the overall scale of the development, its overbearing presence blocking natural light for neighbours, and dense accommodation which would overburden local infrastructure and amenities.  

“The massing and height would lead to an overdevelopment of the site, with the potential to result in adverse impacts on residential amenities.  

“The proposal, overall, is not compatible with the character of the area neither in terms of the proposed use nor its design, the approach for which is incongruous and alien to the established urban form in terms of roofscape and appearance. 

“I am also concerned that a storey of the student flats will be dedicated to ‘entertainment’ and karaoke booths and can understand why local residents are worried about noise levels.” 

Local Green councillor Jule Bandel also objected to the application and argued the case for a hearing. She said on Twitter: “Delighted that committee has approved the hearing requests! This will give the community a chance to properly explain why the proposed student accommodation is unsuitable for the site & area. Well done everyone!”

The Invereleith councillor said earlier: “Disappointed that officials have recommended the proposed student accommodation at Eyre Place for approval.

‘The points I made in my objection in September still stand & I have submitted hearing requests to allow the community to properly make their case: https://bit.ly/3vPb5t6“

Scottish Government: planning to reach net zero

Creating more town centre homes and local services to help fight climate change

Planning applications will have to show how they help meet Scotland’s ambitious targets to cut emissions to net zero by 2045 to get approval under new proposals.

Applications that create more town centre homes or help reuse vacant and derelict land will be more likely to succeed, under the draft fourth National Planning Framework which has been published for consultation today.

These proposals promote the creation of 20-minute neighbourhoods, where services are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle, across cities and towns. Tighter restrictions will be imposed on out-of-town retail development.

The Framework will support developments which contribute to nature restoration, drive population growth in rural Scotland, create more homes to meet local needs and encourage green investment.

Proposals for renewable energy, including increasing the power of existing wind farms, will be supported by planners – helping make Scotland an energy exporter.

It proposes 18 national developments including:

  • a national walking, wheeling and cycling network promoting active travel
  • mass and rapid transit networks for cities to significantly reduce congestion and reliance on the car
  • sustainable drainage and water management solutions to protect cities from future flood risk
  • master planned regeneration and investment along the Clyde and waterfronts in Dundee, Edinburgh and Stranraer
  • supporting transition of key industrial sites to net zero as well as helping to sustain rural and island communities in transitioning to a net zero society
  • pumped hydroelectric storage, large scale renewable energy generation and investment in the electricity grid.

Planning Minister Tom Arthur said yesterday: “As COP26 delegates debate the future of our planet, we are proudly publishing our new draft National Planning Framework that proposes planners will have to consider the impact of applications on climate change and our natural environment.

“This plan for Scotland in 2045 aims to transform places so more of us live in well-designed and energy efficient homes, located within walking distance of local services and green space, and puts planning at the heart of delivering green, inclusive and long‑term sustainable development.

“This is a turning point for planning in Scotland. Our proposals will help us achieve our just transition to net zero emissions by helping to deliver more renewable energy, protecting our natural environment and creating better, healthier places to live.”

Today’s theme at COP26 is Cities, Regions and the Built Environment.