Another student block is being built in Abbeyhill. This time on Stanley Place, which some may recall was the site of a mysterious and very convenient fire a few years ago.
Developers got permission after appealing the initial refusal apparently. Planning portal reference 14/05075/FUL Demolition has apparently started this week.
The area will get even busier now, with more pressure on local services such as GP practices. My main concern with the student accommodation epidemic is that the area becomes full of transient residents with no real stake in the community. On the positive side students who can afford to stay in these blocks tend to be reasonably trouble free neighbours.
I note from the plans that the flats are all studios with their own kitchens. That's luxury student accommodation, not shared flats with communal kitchens as in some others. There's a gym, but hardly any car parking and lots of cycle storage indicates most are expected to cycle or use public transport.
Given experience of other similar developments including nearby Brae House, the main problem will be when the students are away during the summer, and the building inevitably becomes an aparthotel for tourists and/or Fringe performers/technical crews. The surrounding streets will be awash with their (illegally) parked vehicles and the area will seem suddenly much busier.
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