Town's tallest building to double in size under student accommodation plans

Musselburgh’s tallest building is set to double in size as councillors are asked to approve plans for a new student residence in the town.

Plans to demolish a three-storey-high office block at Newhailes and replace it with a six-floor accommodation block for 270 students have been recommended for approval by East Lothian Council planners.

The controversial building has sparked a local campaign against it, as well as receiving 70 objections and 26 letters of support when it was originally put forward, and a further 20 objections and one additional letter of support for the current revised plans.

Campaigners have accused the applicants, Harbour Business Centres Ltd, of trying to build a ‘city centre’ style building in an historic town and claim there is no demand for the student rooms.

The nearest further education facility, Queen Margaret University, which is on the outskirts of Musselburgh, already has its own student village on campus and is not connected to the plans.

A report due to go before the council’s planning committee next month says among objections to the plans were concerns about the height of the building which will be just under 30 metres high.

It says some objectors were concerned not just with the ‘excessive size’ of the building but also its “disregard for historic precedent, landscape structure and the integrity of place.”

There was also concern it would not be used solely for student accommodation and could also become short term letting in the summer when classes are not running.

However those supporting the plans said it would benefit the local economy.

Musselburgh Community Council lodged an objection saying the building was an overdevelopment and inappropriate for the site, the student studio model proposed would fail to allow community integration and the impact on parking, traffic and local services would be too great.

Planners said the council’s economic advisers had said the new student accommodation could bring ‘significant’ benefits to the local area with an estimated £2m a year brought in.

They said: “By introducing around 270 students into the town centre, it would increase local spending power, supporting shops, cafés, leisure facilities and cultural venues, and potentially attracting new businesses.

“The scheme is likely to create jobs during construction and in ongoing management, while reducing pressure on the private rented sector by providing dedicated student housing.

“It could inject an estimated £1.7–£2m annually into the local economy.”

Officers are recommending councillors approve the plans at the meeting next month and propose contributions from the developers of £120,000 to support local transport network improvements as well as £60,000 towards expanding Musselburgh Fitness Centre to prepare for increased use.