Housing Activism have recently issued a letter to Steven Black, the agent for applicant, Tynecastle Teague Limited, regarding the redevelopment of the former Tynecastle High School site.
Below is a letter draft for anyone to copy and use to email the agent: steven.black@eu.jll.com.
***Please be aware that any letters or comments made at pre-application stage are NOT representations on any subsequent planning application which is then submitted as fresh comments must be submitted for this.***
Dear Steven Black,
As the agent for the applicant, Tynecastle Teague Limited, I am writing to you regarding the proposed Pre Application Notice (PAN) submitted for the development of the former Tynecastle High school.
A key point for the current Tynecastle redevelopment is obviously the huge size of the site. The City of Edinburgh Council's own housing policy states that sites over 0.25 hectares should have 50% of floorspace dedicated to residential units. As this site, at 1.6 hectares, is a massive six times bigger than the minimum size from which residential accommodation would be required to be included.
Could you please clarify why the applicant, Tynecastle Teague Limited, have decided to ignore the above Council’s policy when they submitted a PAN proposal for 100% student accommodation – 560 student units – which is likely to be the largest such development in the local area to date?
The student population here in Gorgie-Dalry has almost doubled in the last 10 years. The new purpose-built student accommodation developments will see the student population in Gorgie-Dalry rise from 1,298 in 2011 to 2,481 by next year. In addition to the units already granted planning permission, a new student development is currently being proposed for the site of the former Tynecastle High School, to create a further 560 student units, and would be the largest such development in the local area to date.
We are starting to get to levels that change the balance of our community. I’m particularly concerned, because although students are welcome members of our diverse, international community, I do not think segregating them off into purpose-built units aids integration into the life of the local community.
Students also do not pay Council Tax, so this increased population puts a strain on essential services in the local area such as bin collections and health services without the corresponding increase in revenue. I’m aware that our local GP services are now overstretched, and I’m also concerned that an influx of additional residents will overwhelm these services even further and make accessing basic healthcare difficult for many residents of Gorgie-Dalry, including students.
The reality is, we need more affordable, high-quality homes that can host families of all compositions, including single households, couples, students and families.
I am demanding Tynecastle Teague Limited to provide 50% of floorspace dedicated to residential units as per the City of Edinburgh Council's own housing policy that states sites over 0.25 hectares should have 50% of floorspace dedicated to residential units.
Another concern I have is the lack of community benefits that Tynecastle Teague Limited are currently proposing, as with all new developments, should include community benefits. I am demanding a free-to-use community room, street trees, public art and greenspace for the benefit of Gorgie-Dalry community.
As a local resident of Gorgie-Dalry, we are united in our aim for affordable housing for all as well as ensuring communities have the services needed to thrive.
I look forward to your response.
Kind Regards
(Insert name)