Gorgie Road – temporary residential

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn Association fully acknowledges the urgent need to address Edinburgh’s housing emergency and supports efforts of the City of Edinburgh Council and other providers to provide solutions for those in urgent need of suitable residential accommodation. However, we object to the current planning application for the change of use from student accommodation to temporary residential accommodation at 555 Gorgie Road.

Our objection is based on the lack of essential detail in the application, which prevents a meaningful assessment of the suitability of this building for longer term residential use.

Specifically, the application does not clarify if acceptable space standards for residential use are present or can be achieved, there is no detail given of management and servicing arrangements, no detail of the amenities to be made available to residents, and no detail given of the actual or potential impacts of this proposal on the local community. Supporting documents such as a transport assessment should also be provided. These are critical omissions that make it impossible to determine whether or not the proposed development meets the needs of potential residents and integrates appropriately with the surrounding area and community.

We request that the application be withdrawn and resubmitted only when these key details are included to enable a thorough and transparent evaluation. This will ensure that any development aligns with the needs of both residents and the wider community while addressing the housing crisis effectively.