WILL DEMAND FOR CITY’S STUDENT FLATS RETURN?

QUESTIONS have been raised over whether there is still the demand for more student accommodation – as another flats complex has been approved.

Members of Stokeon-trent City Council’s planning committee raised their concerns as they backed plans to build a six-storey complex on Registry Street, Stoke.

It will have enough room for 133 studios and eight ‘cluster’ units as well as space for a cafe, restaurant or shop.

But there are concerns that other schemes have struggled to rent out their accommodation – and that was before the pandemic.

The council report states: “Some have been built out and are occupied, while others are developments which are under construction or have planning permission.

“Anecdotal evidence for two such schemes indicates that occupancy levels are low.”

The developer has factored the demand question into its Registry Street scheme.

Natalie Hewitt, speaking in support of the application, said: “While there is no conclusive proof that there is a lack of demand for such accommodation, we have sought to ensure the accommodation is adaptable, such that it can be converted into alternative uses in the future, one being open market residential.

“If we were to wait for the demand to be there then there will never be sufficient supply of accommodation and both our universities will always be on the back foot when trying to attract more students to our city.”

Councillors approved the application – despite having concerns.

Councillor David Evans said: “Personally, I don’t see universities going back to the way they were prior to Covid any time soon and our student accommodation was already struggling to be let out.”