Planners back student accommodation bid at former Leith bingo hall

Longstone (2) Limited is seeking planning approval for 200 flats at the existing Club 3000 bingo hall on Manderston Street, located in the Leith Conservation Area.

Launching the plans last year, the developer said the proposed use as student homes allows for the creation of a high-quality development that complies with The City of Edinburgh Council’s student housing policies, while also retaining and enhancing the elements of the building that contribute to the surrounding Conservation Area.

Oberlanders Architects and LUC have been engaged to lead the transformation.

Planning officers have now urged Edinburgh councillors to approve the application next week.

Council papers stated the proposals have been referred to committee “because the application is of significant public interest as the site is an allocated housing site in the local development plan, and the proposal is for student accommodation, and it is recommended that planning permission is granted”.

The papers continued: “The proposal would retain the historic building and although several extensions are proposed, these would not harm the character and appearance of the conservation area.

“When the proposals are considered against the student housing policy the proposed development is considered acceptable.”

The council planning officers added: “Overall, the proposal does not accord with the aim of providing mainstream housing on the site, however in this case when considering the inclusion of the building within the conservation area, student accommodation is acceptable.

“On balance, the proposal is acceptable and there are no other material considerations which outweigh this conclusion.”