The Development Management Subcommittee meeting focused on several planning applications and related issues. The committee approved most applications, with one significant discussion about a proposed student accommodation development at Dundee Street and Dundee Terrace.

Student Accommodation at Dundee Street and Dundee Terrace

The most significant topic was the application for planning permission for student accommodation at 185-187 Dundee Street and 4 Dundee Terrace, Edinburgh. The proposal includes demolishing existing buildings and constructing student housing with commercial and retail spaces. The Planning Officer presented the details, highlighting the building's design, sustainability features, and impact on the local area.

Key considerations included:

• Principle of Development: The site is within walking distance of many university campuses and well-served by public transport.
• Design and Scale: The building will be slightly higher than surrounding tenements but designed to fit within the local context.
• Sustainability: The building will include solar panels, better insulation, and cycle parking with electric bike charging points.
• Impact on Local Area: Some loss of evening sunlight for nearby properties was noted, but the overall impact was deemed acceptable.
• Public Realm Improvements: The proposal includes widening footpaths and adding street trees.

Councillor Gardner raised concerns about the viability of the proposed retail unit and the impact on the street frontage, suggesting that the blank wall design could lead to vandalism. Despite these concerns, the committee voted to grant the application, with nine votes in favor and two against.

Other Applications

• Land East of 14 Crammond Road North, Crammond: The committee noted key issues for a forthcoming application by AMA Crammond Limited.
• Plot 35A, Granton Harbour, West Harbour Road, Edinburgh: The committee noted key issues for a forthcoming application by Edinburgh Marina Holdings Limited.
• 6 Circus Lane, Stockbridge: The committee granted planning permission.
• 2 Craighour Place, Morton: The committee granted planning permission.
• Green Dykes South Site, Green Dykes Road, Edinburgh: The committee approved the application for matters specified in conditions.
• 67 Pefor Place, Edinburgh: The committee granted planning permission.
• 120B Princes Street, Edinburgh: The committee granted planning permission.
• 1 Queen Charlotte Lane, Edinburgh: The committee refused planning permission.

Administrative Matters

• Declarations of Interest: Councillor Mathasquale declared an interest in Item 4.4 and turned off his camera during the discussion.
• Minutes of Previous Meeting: The minutes from the meeting on 1st May 2024 were approved as a correct record.

The meeting concluded with a vote to grant the student accommodation application, highlighting the committee's focus on sustainable development and the need to balance new construction with community impact.