Residents concerned student housing could become 'party flats' over summer

Fountainbridge locals have spoken out over a student housing block’s plans to run short-term lets over the summer, saying they will amount to being “party flats”.

Keel Houses, off Lower Gilmore Place, wants to let out its student flats as short-term rentals over the summer.

Officers have recommended that councillors grant the application, but 16 locals objected to the change of use, citing an increase in noise, loss of privacy, and possible anti-social behaviour.

One objector raised concerns about large groups staying in the short-term lets, writing: “The applicant states no occupation by large groups, but there is nothing to stop hen and stag dos or bus parties booking.

“If different studios or flats are booked by different members of the same party then of course larger groups will stay.

“They will be looking for a communal space to meet, and the rear garden area is an obvious choice, disturbing neighbours’ peaceful enjoyment of their gardens.”

There are 69 studio flats in the building, which at most can hold 138 people in total.

Another wrote: “My house is directly overlooked by the accommodation, and my back garden lies directly behind the student flats.

“There is no visual screening in place, despite this being recommended to the council.

“I am particularly concerned with the undoubted loss of amenity that approving this application will cause to the neighbouring residential community.

“I have no confidence that the applicant will be able to adequately manage the property to avoid the inevitable negative impacts.”

The objector said that the management at the student housing block was not responsive to complaints and that the student block had already started advertising short-term summer lets.

The student housing block is currently being extended to the east, further along Lower Gilmore Place.

It is one of several student housing blocks around the terminal of the Union Canal, with three other student halls within 250 metres of the site.

The application will be discussed at the next meeting of the Development Management Sub-Committee, set to take place on Wednesday, June 11, which can be viewed on the council website.

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