AN EDINBURGH couple have set up a campaign to stop a proposed development, which would include more student accommodation, in their local area.
Sam Goldblatt and Louise Knowles live directly adjacent to the earmarked site on Bangor Road in the Bonnington area of the city, with their two young children.
Currently occupied by an industrial unit, developers plan to flatten the building and erect a six-storey block consisting of commercial units, landscaping and flats for 166 students.
The couple are concerned the new building would block out daylight and change the dynamic of their neighbourhood, as well as put public services under pressure.
With the second public consultation scheduled for Wednesday, they are keen to get as many people as they can on board.
Several locals have already voiced their opinion on a post to social media sharing details of the campaign.
The family have lived in a quiet residential street just off Bangor Road for 10 years and know most of their neighbours in the surrounding area.
Sam, 41, and his wife Louise, have praised the newer developments on nearby West Bowling Green Street, which includes social housing, but slammed the proposed flats as a “cynical cash grab”.
According to developers Scott Hobbs Planning, the plans are expected to join the previous development in fostering a “welcoming and cohesive neighbourhood” with an “extremely high quality of life”.
They are expected to formally submit the plans to the city council in the first quarter of 2025, stating all comments made at this stage will be incorporated into the proposals.
Ahead of the public consultation, Sam shared a link to the campaign on social media on Saturday with the caption: “Hi, a group of us are trying to stop this ugly block of student flats being proposed in the residential area of Bangor Road.
“There is a public consultation this Wednesday 11 December [from] 3 to 7pm at the Biscuit Factory where you can see the plans and have your say.”
It has since received over 60 comments from hacked-off locals sharing his frustration.
One wrote: “Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and build-to-rent (BTR) developments are exploitative to people living in them and destructive to communities.
“They charge higher rents, offer fewer rights and are often of a significantly lower standard than other homes. Absolute trash.
“And students deserve better than to pay through the nose too.”
Another said: “What a joke. More affordable and social housing is needed, not more student accommodation.”
A third commented: “It’s being built far higher than what is already there. Hoping there is a compromise somewhere.”
Another wrote: “This plot should sit as it is, do not build any sort of housing on it as it will pose a threat to local amenities such as doctors’ surgeries.”
A fifth added: “No point in complaining as the clowncil (sic) don’t care about Edinburgh residents.”
Speaking today, Sam Goldblatt said: “I live in The Quilts with my wife and two small children.
“The proposed development would completely block all of our daylight, creating a huge tower where we once had the sky.
“I’m not opposed to all development, but this building looks like a cold institution with lots of tiny windows.
“It’s completely out of place in our historic neighbourhood – right next to the Water of Leith path, and our category B listed historic bridge on West Bowling Green Street.
“The new housing on West Bowling Green Street is lovely and includes affordable housing.
“This is the opposite – a cynical cash grab for cheap student housing with no regard to the neighbourhood.
“Most importantly, it’s hugely higher than any of the other buildings in the area, blocking everyone’s sunlight.
“We have a nice neighbourhood of mostly families and older people.
“Many people don’t know The Quilts and the Bowling Green is actually social housing, and there are lots of vulnerable people here who need care and medical support.
“I don’t know how our local doctors’ surgeries could cope with an influx of 166 students.”
Also speaking today, a spokesperson for Scott Hobbs Planning said: “The applicant welcomes the further opportunity to engage with the local community on the proposal which will involve the redevelopment of warehousing into an exciting mixed-use development, including student accommodation and employment uses, addressing a greatly increased demand for student homes in the capital.”
