Harbour Business Centres Ltd had sought permission for 270 rooms at Harbour Point on Newhailes Road.

The existing building on the site is an office building with car parking, between the Aldi and Lidl supermarkets and the driving test centre.

Planning permission was sought for the demolition of the existing office building and the construction of purpose-built student accommodation. Designed by One Foot Square Architecture & Design, the proposed C-shaped building would be between five and six storeys in height, stepping down to four storeys on the north boundary, with 270 student studios with kitchens and en-suites. In addition, there would be a communal kitchen and dining areas.

Under the plans, the ground floor would include a student lounge opening onto an external amenity area. There would be a gym for residents’ use and a cycle store for 136 bikes plus an external cycle and e-scooter store beside the entrance. As the building was to be managed, an office and reception area would be provided.

The current application had been changed from a previous one, with the main change being a reduction in the number of units. When the application was first submitted, it received 70 objections, 26 representations supporting the application and three neutral comments. Reasons for support included the potential benefit to the community, local businesses, local economy and sports clubs while reasons for objection included the height and size of the proposed building and a potential increase in traffic.

Planners had recommended approval with conditions including financial contributions to active/sustainable travel infrastructure improvements and the reconfiguration and enhancement of the fitness suite at Musselburgh Sports Centre.

Following a debate, committee members voted five votes to three to refuse the application. The grounds for refusal were that the scale and design were not in keeping with the area, there was inadequate parking provision, inadequate amenity space and there was noise impact for potential student residents of the development from surrounding uses.