Despite Nottingham City Council leader Neghat Khan's recent declaration that the city has 'enough' student accommodation, plans for another student block have been submitted. The four-storey development at Dominion House on Castle Boulevard would provide 141 bedrooms and two retail units, raising questions about the council's commitment to prioritize permanent residential housing in the city centre.
Plans for another student accommodation block in Nottingham have been submitted, just days after the city council leader stated the city has 'enough' student housing. If approved, the four-storey development at Dominion House on Castle Boulevard would include 141 bedrooms and two retail units on the ground floor. The existing unit is currently occupied by Zoo Interiors, a furniture showroom, but signs in the window indicate the business will relocate to a new location in March.
According to planning documents, the building was originally used as a vehicle repair shop and showroom in the early 1950s. By the 1990s, it was converted for bulky goods and retail use. The plans also encompass the demolition of the existing showroom but retention of its original façade. It includes the conversion of two houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) at 49 and 51 Fishpond Drive, which will offer a total of four bedrooms. These houses will be retained in their current form, but a small lean-to at the rear will be demolished. The four existing bedrooms will be incorporated into the overall scheme, accessed through the new development. In total, the development could provide 122 cluster bedrooms, 15 studios, and the four existing bedrooms, resulting in a total of 141 units. The design and access statement accompanying the planning application highlights the development's desirable location within walking distance of the new University of Nottingham Castle Meadow Campus, the city centre, and several transport links. It emphasizes the provision of high-quality student accommodation in a sustainable location, aligning with the ongoing regeneration of the University of Nottingham Castle Meadow Campus. The statement also emphasizes the site's potential for regeneration and reinvigoration. It aims to ensure the building's long-term and appropriate use, safeguarding it for the future. The proposed design aims to enhance the attractiveness and vibrancy of Castle Boulevard by refurbishing the existing façade and incorporating the new student accommodation scheme. The proposals surface just days after Neghat Khan, Nottingham City Council leader, expressed concerns about the surplus of student accommodation in the city. Councillor Khan stated at a meeting that the city has 'got enough of it' and pledged that there would be no student accommodation at the Broad Marsh development. This announcement was met with relief by some, as final proposals for the remaining Broad Marsh development are scheduled to be revealed in March. Councillor Khan aims to attract more families and working-class individuals to reside at Broad Marsh in the future, rather than students. At a meeting on Monday, January 27, Councillor Kevin Clarke, the leader of the opposition at the city council, inquired about the council's commitment to prioritizing permanent residential accommodation at the site over purpose-built student accommodation. Councillor Khan affirmed this commitment, stating, 'That's exactly what we're asking for, no more student accommodation around the city centre. We've got enough of it.' However, the authority cannot reject the plans for the new Castle Boulevard block without a valid reason. These reasons include traffic or material planning concerns, which apply to all planning applications. If the plans are rejected without a valid reason, the decision is likely to be overturned on appeal by the government's planning inspectors. This could result in the council being required to compensate the developer. Nottinghamshire Live has contacted Councillor Khan for further comment. The proposals will be decided by Nottingham City Council at a later date. Nottingham has thus far succeeded in 'holding the line' by constructing only enough student accommodation to meet demand, according to Nottingham City Council. The Labour-run council states it has achieved this by focusing on approving housing specifically designed for students. By 2027, it projects that nearly 80% of students will reside in this type of accommodation instead of homes initially built for urban family living. Last year, the council claimed to have 'clear evidence' of family homes being returned from student occupancy, with approximately 200 residential and family properties re-entering the market within a year
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION NOTTINGHAM CITY COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATIONS CASTLE BOULEVARD BROAD MARSH DEVELOPMENT
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