Appeal over student block
THE developer of a proposed eight-storey student complex in Beeston will be appealing against councillors’ rejection of the plans.
Councillors refused permission for the 400-bed block.
The building, just off Station Road and Middle Street, would have become the tallest in Beeston if Broxtowe Borough Council’s planning committee had approved Cassidy Group’s plans.
The ground floor would have included a commercial area, and a car park would have been created.
It would have been opposite the Arc Cinema and Beeston Social, both of which opened recently to critical acclaim.
Council leader Milan Radulovic had previously said that Beeston Square had been a “sleeping giant” and its regeneration had already proved immensely popular.
But the proposals were turned down last week. Councillor David Watts, chairman of the planning committee, told the Post there were four primary issues.
He said: “The first is the viability and the town centre would be affected if we do not have a community there all year. It was around having a resident community as opposed to those only there part of the year.
The development was very substandard in terms of the size of the rooms.
“And we do not think it would ease pressures on HMOS because no-one would want to stay there for three years. “It also offered no parking for tenants. The scheme would do nothing to help the council’s housing needs because there would be nothing for local people.
“The four areas were discussed at length. It is never going to be the right thing to put in Beeston town centre. I’ve got no problem with students in Beeston, but we also need to have accommodation for local people.” Responding, a Cassidy spokesperson said: “We are naturally disappointed with the decision, having worked closely with the officers at Broxtowe Borough Council.
“We thank officers for their support and will be submitting an appeal against the planning committee’s decision forthwith.” Residents in the area remained divided over the proposals.
Noel Maguire, who was in Beeston Square, said: “This is a students’ city. We’ve got 40,000 students, so of course they should build it there. They are the lifeblood of the city.” However, others agreed with the decision of the planning committee. Mandy Mcdaid, who works at Tesco off Beeston Square, said: “They are going to do the college for students, so why should they have this bit as well? It needs more shops.” And a resident of seven years, who asked to remain anonymous, added: “We need other things like housing for normal people. “What the hell for? We need another shopping centre – we didn’t want more students here running riot.”
We will be submitting an appeal against the planning committee’s decision forthwith
Cassidy Group