Edinburgh build to rent development recommended for approval

Planners have urged Edinburgh councillors to approve a planning application for the development of build to rent (BTR) accommodation on Bonnington Road Lane.

Located at the site of the derelict John Lewis depot/warehouse in the city, the proposals by property developer and operator PLATFORM_ seek to deliver 453 homes, ranging from studios to one, two, and three-bedroom apartments spread across three blocks of four to seven storeys.

JM Architects worked on the scheme, and the planning consultants were Turley. Engineers were Harley Haddow, landscape architects were Hirst, cost consultants were Thomas & Adamson.

Edinburgh build to rent development recommended for approval

When submitting the plans in May last yearMatt Willcock, development director at PLATFORM_, said: “Bonnington Road Lane is an ideal location to spearhead PLATFORM_’s vision in Edinburgh. Not only will we develop the site, but we will operate the building. Our residents may rent an apartment, but will also have an abundance of common amenities at their disposal, including a gym, communal workspaces, a bike club, and rooftop gardens.

“These proposals not only serve to redevelop a vital location, but help to tackle Edinburgh’s crisis in realistic housing, especially in Edinburgh city centre. BTR is a new, upward trend that offers high-quality rented accommodation at competitive prices for a wide-ranging demographic. Across the UK, nearly 60 per cent of our residents earn less than £30,000 a year.

Edinburgh build to rent development recommended for approval

“We’ve consulted widely and diligently with stakeholders in Edinburgh and the public in Leith to ensure they’ve had an opportunity to input their views about the proposals. The plans represent a collaborative discussion about how best to make this site work.”

The City of Edinburgh Council is scheduled to decide on the application on February 17.

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