Use of existing derelict warehouse to form student housing development

Posted on: December 13, 2023

This proposal makes good use of a challenging and restricted site

Address:  18-24 John’s Lane Edinburgh EH6 7EU

Proposal: Proposed alterations and change of use of existing derelict warehouse to form student housing development. | 

Reference No: 23/06796/LBC

Closing date for comments:Fri 29 Dec 2023

Determination date: Fri 12 Jan 2024

Result: Pending

Cockburn Response

We have taken time to understand the current proposals for this difficult, restricted and complex  site and we support this application.

We do not believe that this site is suitable for full-time residential accommodation because of unavoidable  restrictions in terms of  aspect, amenity, greenspace and the nature of the listed structure. 

However, with these restriction in mind we consider  that the relatively small student student development which is being proposed makes a good use of the site.

The listed structure which will be used for this development is clearly in a very poor and precarious condition.  This development will conserve/rebuild much of the remaining external walls.   We accept that the modern set-backs  proposed for the front facade are required to facilitate the well-being  and privacy of future student residents.

We note that the developer has a ‘Phase 2’ project under development on an adjoining site.  We would encourage this be brought forward as soon as possible.  The current proposal and the future ‘Phase 2’  project taken  together are an example of successful site masterplanning on  a smaller scale – the benefits are the development of both sites to the locality being greater than the individual elements in isolation.