News

Planning application submitted for Bonnington Road Lane, Edinburgh

Acting on behalf of property developer and operator PLATFORM_, Turley has submitted a planning application for the development of high-quality Build-to-Rent (BTR) accommodation.

Located at the site of the derelict John Lewis depot/warehouse, Edinburgh, the proposals, which we are providing Planning, Economics and Heritage, Townscape & Visual Impact Assessment services for, seek to introduce a high-quality BTR scheme at the heart of Edinburgh with 527 units. PLATFORM_ funds and ultimately manage a finished building with a desire and vested interest to produce a quality development.

Build-to-Rent (BTR) is a relatively recent model for new residential buildings in the UK, where all the properties are built for rent, not for sale. PLATFORM_’s model represents an affordable and integrated offering where residents live not just in their apartments but can use the entirety of the building equipped with a gym, communal workspaces, bike club and a fulltime concierge service.

The new homes will be a mix of studios, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments spread across three blocks ranging from 4 to 7 storeys. All PLATFORM_ units are available to rent, meaning that less are used as second homes or remain unoccupied, and in turn, more homes are available for people to rent.

jmarchitects worked on the scheme. Engineers were Harley Haddow; landscape architects were Hirst, cost consultants were Thomas & Adamson.

Matt Willock, Development Director at PLATFORM_, commented:

“We’re thrilled to submit this application for our BTR scheme in Edinburgh. Bonnington Road Lane is an ideal location to spearhead PLATFORM_’s vision in Edinburgh. Not only will we develop the site, but we will operate the building. Our residents may rent an apartment, but will also have an abundance of common amenities at their disposal, including a gym, communal workspaces, a bike club, and rooftop gardens.”

“These proposals not only serve to redevelop a vital location but help to tackle Edinburgh’s crisis in realistic housing, especially in Edinburgh city centre. BTR is a new, upward trend that offers high-quality rented accommodation at competitive prices for a wide-ranging demographic. Across the UK, nearly 60 per cent of our residents earn less than £30,000 a year.”

“We’ve consulted widely and diligently with stakeholders in Edinburgh and the public in Leith to ensure they’ve had an opportunity to input their views about the proposals. The plans represent a collaborative discussion about how best to make this site work.”

19 May 2020