The Cockburn welcomes this opportunity to comment on the  proposed development at ‘Jock’s Lodge’ of student accommodation to include 188 student rooms set over seven storeys, with a mix of single bedrooms with shared kitchens and larger studio style bedrooms.  We acknowledge that this may be a suitable site for student accommodation and that such developments can bring many associated benefits. However, we do not support the current proposals as it stands and, without significant amendments, we are likely to object to the associated planning application when it is lodged. We are particularly cognisant of the proposed student housing policies in the emerging City Plan 2030.

We appreciate the historical significance of ‘Jock’s Lodge’ and the current popularity of the ‘Willow’ bar with the local community. In  addition, we accept that the redevelopment of adjacent vacant land is required. However, it is our view that future redevelopment on this site must embrace all the existing adjacent buildings if a truly coherent streetscape is to be achieved.  This should include a fully active frontage at street level with uses tailored to the needs of the whole local community as well as the student population.

In addition, revised proposals need to confirm to the build form of the local neighbourhood and be set back from the road to create a less hostile urban feel. It would also be beneficial to create an area of publicly accessible greenspace to compensate, in part, for the loss of the existing, undeveloped openspace.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss further iterations of these proposals with the development team.

Image sourced from Public Consultation [online]

https://www.jockslodgeplanning.co.uk/