Ocean Drive Residential and Student Accommodation
Posted on: October 20, 2023
The proposed student and BTR accommodation may do little to meet community expectations
Address: Land 58 Metres South Of 94 Ocean Drive Edinburgh.
Proposal: Erection of mixed-use development comprising residential and purpose-built student accommodation
Reference No: 23/04069/FUL
Closing date for comments: Fri 06 Oct 2023
Determination date: Fri 29 Dec 2023
Cockburn Response
The shift from office to residential development is desirable in this location.
However, the proposed student and BTR accommodation may do little to meet community expectations in this part of the city for truly affordable housing and for social housing.
The proposed PBSA accommodation, notwithstanding the availability of public and active travel opportunities, is still comparatively remote for many higher education campuses. This seems to work against 20-minute neighbourhood principles in respect of potential student residents who will, of necessity, have to travel considerable distances to their places of work and study.
The quality of design and materiality of the proposal is very disappointing – exciting and innovative design is an increasingly rare commodity in Edinburgh.
And more could be done to activate the developments at first and second floor levels and to integrate with planned greenspace and access routes in such a way as to create active and welcoming greenspace and amenity areas for the proposed new residents and for the wider community.