GO-AHEAD FOR 141 STUDENT FLATS
Six-story block will replace retail units
PLANS to build a six-storey student accommodation block have been approved despite doubts over whether it is needed.
An application has been lodged to put up the 141-unit development in Registry Street, Stoke, for students from Staffordshire University.
While planners at Stoke-on-trent City Council have questioned whether there is demand for such accommodation – and raised concerns over the height of the block – they have concluded there are no grounds to refuse the proposal.
The plans include the demolition of existing commercial and retail units at Registry Street to make way for the development. It would comprise 133 ‘studios’, described as self-contained rooms including living and sleeping space, a kitchen area and en-suite shower room.
There would also be eight ‘cluster units’ with two or three bedrooms with a shared lounge, kitchen and bathrooms. Ten of the units will be ‘accessible’.
On the ground floor would be an entrance lobby and reception, communal lounge, games room, gym, study room, laundry and cycle storage.
An external courtyard with communal garden is also proposed at the ground floor level, with communal study rooms and lounges also proposed on both the first and second floors.
The development would also include a commercial unit which would replace an existing vacant retail premises. There is no parking provision within the scheme.
Planning officers are worried about the height of the block, as it would be significantly taller than other buildings in the area. They had suggested it be reduced to a five-storey building, but the applicant said it would make the scheme unviable.
A report prepared for the planning committee states: “The development would be significantly taller than any other buildings within the immediate area and would clearly impact, in visual terms, on the surroundings. However, the site’s location and position, alongside the A500 and one of the key routes into Stoke town centre, represents the opportunity for a prominent gateway development.”
One objection was lodged, by the owner of a shop and flat in London Road, which raises concerns about the potential loss of light to their property and the lack of available parking in the area.
But officers have concluded the site is in a good location for walking and cycling to campus, and residents should therefore not need cars.
The authority’s planning committee unanimously approved the plans when it met yesterday.