Edinburgh City Council is facing significant backlash over its decision to convert a former hotel into temporary accommodation for homeless individuals, located just a five-minute walk from the nearest primary school. The council was granted permission earlier this year to change the use of Northfield House Hotel on Lasswade Road as part of efforts to address the city's growing housing crisis.
The plans have drawn 143 objections, with only eight in favour. Despite this opposition, the council is proceeding with the conversion, which will include 100 self-contained flats for homeless individuals, many of whom are expected to be single men. It is understood that some recent asylum seekers may also be housed there, in line with legal obligations placed on all local authorities across the UK.
However, the proximity of several schools, including Gracemount Primary, has raised concerns among residents about safety measures. Sue Webber, the Scottish Conservative candidate for Edinburgh South Western, criticised the decision, stating: 'Local residents are rightly outraged by this deeply inappropriate decision taken by the Labour-run council. Immigration is an issue that is regularly coming up on the doors in this election and communities in Edinburgh want to feel safe.'
Residents have raised a variety of concerns, including the impact on local healthcare and education services, as well as 'neighbour and future occupier amenity.' Objector Carol Gourlay noted: 'There is no information on the circumstances of the people to be housed in the temporary accommodation. If it is to be used by families escaping B&B accommodation whilst awaiting permanent housing or escaping domestic abuse then this is not an issue. I would not deny anyone in these situations the right to a decent roof over their heads. But this property is across the road from a day care nursery, down the road from another nursery, and close to two primary schools and a high school.'
Another objector expressed concern that the change of use 'to accommodation for anyone from recently released prisoners to homeless people with addiction and substance abuse issues' had been 'poorly communicated.' One local argued: 'There is also limited policing in this area and crime has already increased.'
In response, the council has denied that the unit will house asylum seekers. Housing, homelessness and fair work convener Councillor Tim Pogson stated: 'We already operate temporary accommodation in communities across the city, which are staffed 24/7 and managed well within the community. There is no presumption about who will be housed at the site beyond their legal entitlement to assistance as homeless applicants in Edinburgh.'
Ian Murray, Labour MP for Edinburgh South, has asked the council about safety measures given the proximity of the school, noting it has been a 'recurring concern' for residents. The council reiterated that the site will not be used to house asylum seekers, as that is a matter for the Home Office.
