January 7 2025

New plans have been aired for an arc of student accommodation in the Northfield area of Edinburgh, with a new addition harmonising an existing consented block while utilising a dedicated entrance and services.

Both projects are being brought forward by One Foot Square on behalf of separate applicants, on the site of the former Radical Road Bar at 229 Willowbrae Road. The latest application concerns the site of a takeaway restaurant adjacent to the cleared site on Northfield Drive, which would be demolished to make room for an additional 13 bedrooms of matching style and scale.

In a planning statement, One Foot Square wrote: "The planning permission will allow the delivery of independent student accommodation adjacent to the recently consented student accommodation development located at 229 Willowbrae Road. The two schemes are completely compatible with each other, and could equally be delivered in tandem subject to agreement between the applicants.

"The site presents a real opportunity to continue and complete the crescent form of the Willowbrae Road PBSA building on this prominent corner plot."

An enclosed garden is provided for residents adjacent to the main entrance. 

1 Comment

#1 Posted by DuddyArchitect on 11 Jan 2025 at 15:32 PM

As was highlighted during the Approved scheme application, this not an appropriate site for student housing. There are no direct buses to Edinburgh University, and the most direct route is through Holyrood Park which is badly lit and dangerous at night. It will serve Queen Margaret University, but will it be marketed that way?
This area actually needs quality, affordable homes and shops, like the Post Office shop demolished as part of the site clearance.

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