Plans for new student accommodation block in Coventry revised

PLANS for a new student accommodation development in Coventry have been revised - with less bedrooms and the height of the buildings dropped.

Cassidy Group’s previous plans for the former Spencer Sports and Social Club on Albany Road, Earlsdon, led to five petitions of 171 signatures in opposition.

Those plans had been for 570 student bedrooms, while the new planning application asks for permission to build 436 bedrooms.

The maximum storey height on the proposed development has also dropped from eight to six, and security measures have been added for nearby residents.

James Cassidy, Director of Cassidy Group, said a consultation found 87 per cent of respondents had supported the original plans, but changes have now been agreed with Coventry council planners.

Blocks closest to residential neighbours have also dropped to three storeys.

Mr Cassidy said: “The planner wanted the front to be of a lower scale so we have worked closely to come up with that design.

“We have set the building further back and changed the front quite a lot to a more traditional design.

“We have reduced the building by two storeys and some of the projected wings have been dropped back to no higher than three storeys.

“The separation distances are over twice that to the neighbouring houses so there is no overshadowing issues or separation issues.

“The planning officer is now happy with what has been drawn.

“We went through a public consultation and they were happy so we are moving forward.”

Another change is the inclusion of a steel fence backing onto Winifred Avenue - a place residents say has been hit by a spate of burglaries.

A second gated scheme has been proposed to the rear of the site to provide extra security for the building and residents, who will be given a key.

Mr Cassidy added: “It is an extra security for them and for us and that was welcomed by some of the residents.”

Previous concerns in the petitions included impact on residents, strain on services, and lack of parking as no spaces have been set aside for students.

A controversial ‘no car policy’ is again proposed which prevents student from bringing or parking a vehicle within three miles of the site.

Those who breach it risk forfeiting their tenancy and deposits, but residents have said they are sceptical over how this will be enforced, fearing students will still park on already overcrowded residential roads.

Mr Cassidy added: “Lots of student operators use the same policy.

“It is a strong control measure. Yes someone can slip through the net and you can never stop someone from doing anything. But the vast majority of students do not use cars.”

Cycle racks will instead be included to encourage sustainable transport.

A cafe will also be included in the scheme, along with community space. The developer hopes the plan will be taken to a committee on November 20, and - if passed - it could be operational for 2021.