Plans for six-storey student housing in Musselburgh set for approval
Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 29 Oct, 11:44 · Archive
East Lothian Council planners have recommended approval for a six-storey student accommodation block in Musselburgh that would replace a three-storey office block at Newhailes. The new building would stand just under 30 metres high and house 270 students, making it the town's tallest building.
The plans have generated significant local opposition. The application has received 70 objections and 26 letters of support originally, and a further 20 objections and one letter of support for the revised plans. Campaigners have accused applicants Harbour Business Centres Ltd of trying to build a 'city centre' style building in an historic town and claim there is no demand for student rooms. Objectors have raised concerns about the building's 'excessive size', its disregard for historic precedent and landscape structure, and the possibility it could become short-term letting in summer when classes are not running.
The council's economic adviser says the additional 270 students could bring up to £2 million a year in additional spending to the local area. Supporters argue the development would benefit the local economy. The Queen Margaret University, which is on Musselburgh's outskirts, is not connected to these plans.
How it is being reported
- East Lothian town building set to almost double in size for proposed student flatsPlanners back student accommodation buildingEdinburgh Evening News · 29 Oct, 11:05
- East Lothian town's tallest building set to double in size for proposed student flatsPlanners back student accommodation buildingEdinburgh Evening News · 28 Oct, 20:20
- Plans for six-storey East Lothian student housing development set to be approvedThe council's economic adviser says the addition of 270 students could bring up to £2million a year in additional spending to the local areaEdinburgh Live · 28 Oct, 14:24
In this story: Musselburgh · East Lothian · East Lothian Council · Harbour Business Centres Ltd · Queen Margaret University · Newhailes
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