EDINBURGH council has approved the demolition of a former Scottish Government building in favour of a new 172-bed student accommodation block. The building at 140 Causewayside in Newington has remained empty since 2023 after its previous occupants, the Scottish Law Commission, vacated the property. “Particular emphasis is placed on creating environments that support mental health through thoughtful spatial planning, access to nature, and inclusive design. The now-accepted plans received 17 objections out of 24 public comments on the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning portal. One local wrote: “As a close neighbour who will be very adversely affected if this development is allowed to proceed, I must object to the planning application in the strongest terms.