PLAN FOR STUDENT FLATS ON SHOPPING CENTRE CAR PARK
DESPITE 223 OBJECTIONS APARTMENTS PLAN LOOKS SET TO BE APPROVED
APPROVAL is expected for an 808bed student accommodation block in Coventry, despite opposition from residents.
Developers ES Coventry Ltd are bidding to redevelop an existing car park off De Montfort Way, adjacent to the Cannon Park shopping centre.
The six-storey block and its multistorey car park would provide “modern and high-quality accommodation to support both universities”.
Planners have recommended it is granted approval when it goes to a planning committee at Coventry council on Thursday, February 14.
That is despite 223 letters of objection over the number of students it would bring alongside the impact on neighbouring properties.
A petition of 110 signatures also objected to the plans, stating the structure is too high would be out of keeping with the character of the area.
But in a report, planning officer Mary-Ann Jones, said: “It is accepted that the building is large, however it has been designed in order to step the scale of development into the centre of the site and keep the bulk at the edges to a minimum.
“The building design incorporates high quality design features and brick recesses with green walls for added relief.
“It is therefore considered that this development enhances the character of the area by providing a high quality designed building which demonstrates clever design which responds to the surrounding site characteristics.”
The development would include a multi-storey public car park providing 422 spaces, a surface car park for 67 student spaces, 240 student cycle spaces, upgraded pedestrian and cycle links, and a new pedestrian crossing point on De Montfort Way.
A Section 106 contribution of £200,000 will also be paid by the developer to the council for for junction improvements at the Shultern Lane/Lynchgate Junction, and £69,830 to the NHS towards additional health care facilities to meet patient demand.
A planning statement from the developer states: “The proposed 808 bed spaces will provide a valuable contribution to meeting the council’s housing land supply; meets specific housing needs within the city’s population; offers modern and highquality accommodation to support both universities; will support and facilitate urban regeneration in the Cannon Park Major District Centre; and will help minimise the uptake of family housing by students in the private rented sector.
“The scheme is of high quality architectural design and contributes positively to the surrounding area whilst also incorporating an extensive hard and soft landscaping scheme which enhances the site and results in a net gain in biodiversity.”