Our consultation is now open for draft planning guidance for purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) in Edinburgh.
The draft guidance has been prepared to support City Plan 2030 policy dealing with PBSA. It sets out the Council’s expectations and provides guidance for developers and planning officers. It also seeks to ensure the provision of good quality PBSA in appropriate locations whilst protecting the character of existing areas.
It applies to all types of PBSA developments, including new build, change of use and conversion. To support the health and wellbeing of students, it is essential that they are provided with appropriately located, high quality accommodation. While many students will choose to live in other forms of accommodation, PBSA is a key part of the available accommodation in the city.
We want the guidance to help people understand what we require from the development of PBSA. To do this, we want to make sure the content is clear, helpful, and balanced.
When approved in its final form it will be used by the Council to assess planning applications.
You can read the draft guidance and give us your views in our online survey by Friday 23 May 2025.
Planning Edinburgh 
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