A CONTROVERSIAL bid to create digs for 250 students overlooking the Meadows looks set to get the go-ahead.

Planners recommend the council agrees the plan for the former NCP car park on Chalmers Street

But residents and community leaders want the plans thrown out.

They claim Tollcross and the Meadows is already over-populated with students, who can be responsible for late-night noise and damage to property.

There are also concerns about parking problems on the already-crowded streets, with a drop in the overall number of spaces likely, despite the influx of new tenants.

The Unite Group, which is behind the project after the land was sold for £8 million in one of Scotland's most expensive land deals, claims the development will actually free up more homes for families in the area.

Beds for 249 students will be provided in 81 flats, each with a communal kitchen and dining room. A large common room will also be built for all the students.

In a report to councillors, Alan Henderson, the council's head of planning and strategy, says the development is "appropriate for the city centre" and adequately safeguards the conservation area.

But Lucy Sharp, a company director who lives in the neighbouring Lauriston Gardens, said the proposed complex would not fit in with the surrounding area. The 29-year-old said: "The density of this development means we will see a big increase in traffic and pedestrian flow through our street and Lonsdale Terrace.

"It is already a highly populated area and the street is overflowing with cars in the evening, so this is only going to get worse.

"The proposals are incredibly drab with little architectural merit. Unite appear to be putting in these dreary student blocks at every available space in the city."

Councillors are set to discuss the planning application at a meeting next week.

Mike Pottinger-Glass, Unite's UK planning director, said: "The new building has been carefully designed to be sympathetic with its surroundings. The views of the community and our stakeholders are very important to us. We have been working closely with key environmental and community groups."

If the scheme gets the go-ahead, the main block on Chalmers Street will be built using natural stone, while most of the buildings will have sedum, or "living" roofs, as well as other environmentally-friendly features. The plans include landscaped courtyards, new trees, refuse and recycling facilities, and a new pedestrian and cycle link leading to the Meadows.

The development will be car-free, with no designated parking spaces, although there will be storage space for 150 bikes.

The overall planning application has attracted objections from The Lister Housing Co-operative, which has properties near the site, and Tollcross Community Council.

Chalmers Street - Student Accommodation [3]

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