What people are saying

“From where Newcraighall Road joins Newhailes Road there is consistent setback of all buildings on both sides of the road. Creating a distinct tree-line streetscape. The proposed Harbour Point development of bringing the building forward would directly clash with this existing character. The prior felling of the mature trees has dramatically degraded the road’s aesthetic appeal & the environment for local residents. To restore the area’s original character, any new plans at Harbour Point must include the replacement & planting of substantial, mature trees of similar scale to the rest of Newhailes Road.”

Elaine - Musselburgh Resident

“This should stay as a commercial site, allowing businesses in Musselburgh. 250 students will put a bigger strain on our local services.”

Audrey - Musselburgh Resident

“The proposal states it is a car free zone. I suggested that cars would be parked in surrounding residential areas. Architect told me the students would sign a lease stating they would not bring a car and if they did their lease would be terminated. I do not believe this can be policed or enforced. Indeed, can such a condition be imposed on a tenant”

Carol - Local Musselburgh Resident

“This is a commercial / business zone not a residential zone. The buildings at 6 storeys will change the characteristics of the area.

Also no parking is being made available where will the students park? In the surrounding streets? The building will overlook houses and gardens and block light to Newhailes Avenue. Did the owners get permission to cut down the trees”

Justin - Local Musselburgh Resident

“The proposed site forms part of an established commercial and industrial zone. Encouragement should be made to increase retail and business use to improve the local economy and provide jobs to local people.

The building type proposed is not in keeping with the surrounding area and is completely at odds with the historical surroundings of the Harbour. It will be a sore on the landscape and an embarrassment to the town.

If the council believes that student accommodation is a necessity, then there are multiple other sites in Musselburgh that have considerably less impact that could, and should, be considered.”

Craig - Local Musselburgh Resident

“Pre-existing buildings are not intrusive of private property with their view. They are also not intended to host mass volumes of one type of demographic.

This is a town people come to escape city life which includes the traits of student life and large population of students. It will bring down the value of property, and have a restricted impact on the economy due to the restrictions of a student budget.

Any new residential property should be in keeping with the current landscape of the town and attract demographics who will thrive in small town life and boost its economy. Working professionals, young families, newly retired.”

Kirsty - Local Musselburgh Resident

“Impact on Fisherrow Beach- already antisocial behaviour, fires and littering, 250 students would add to this and prevent families from enjoying what is on their doorstep.

Financial gain- this will not impact local independent businesses are much as they are proposing. Students will spend in Lidl and Aldi rather than local shops.l due to their financial restraints or use Fort Kinnaird.

Local jobs possibility if students looking for part time work taking opportunities away from local young people looking for part time work or experience.

The plans proposed are not accurate. They have used old photographs with mature trees. The plans have trees on the building front which are not going to be replicated.

Lorna - Local Musselburgh Resident

“The building will not tie in with the local area and would look very out of place. The area of Musselburgh that this is proposed to be built on won’t be able to cope with this sort of infrastructure and also that road is busy already and is a main source to get Fort Kinnaird and surrounding areas in Stoneybank/Stoneyhill”

Scott - Musselburgh Resident