As more and more students flood to Edinburgh, new projects for private
student halls are constantly being approved. PBSA News says that over
20,000 currently exist in Edinburgh. As a result, councillors are calling
for a ban of new PBSA development in the city.
Why is a ban being called for?
PBSA builds are increasing
elsewhere in the UK
but in Edinburgh there are concerns that PBSA properties are taking up too
much space in local communities and leave less room for other housing
types. This is the leading reason as to why Edinburgh may ban new
developments.
Initially proposed by SNP councillor Danny Aston, the ban is being called
into motion by a majority of councillors.
Disagreement over the ban implementation
However, standing against the councillors calling for the exploration of
the ban is the fact that PBSA developments are usually compliant with
planning regulations. According to PBSA News, this means there is often no
legitimate reason for the PBSA to be rejected by Council figures.
Conservative councillor, Joanna Mowat, filed an amendment that said a ban
should not be implemented now. Instead, it is reported that Mowat proposed
any decision on restricting PBSA should be made as part of creating the
city’s new Local Development Plan.
When will the decision take place?
Councillors voted for Aston’s motion over Mowat’s amendment by 46 to 10,
with the Conservative group being the only ones to vote against the motion.
A decision is said to be presented to the Planning Committee by city
officers who have been asked to explore plans for a ban of PBSA projects,
by 10 th September.
All information sourced from
PBSA News.
