Carsington House flats given the knock-back once again

A PROPERTY developer looking to create student flats in Allestree has failed again to convince Derby City Council planning committee that it should give planning permission.

There were changes to plans which were rejected last year, but committee members failed to be convinced by the revised scheme above the Park Farm shopping centre.

Greencore Properties wanted to convert three-storey Carsington House, which is on the roof of the centre, into student accommodation. The plan had been scaled down from 72 flats with 128 bedrooms, which attracted 50 written objections to the plan, to 14 student flats, with a total of 70 bedrooms and proposes adding a fourth storey to the building and altering the facade.

A side extension had been removed from the latest plan. Access and parking had also been amended with 16 parking spaces allocated for occupants of the building, with 28 cycle parking spaces.

A second lift for residents only has been scrapped from the plan and access would be via the existing lift and stairwell, which is shared with the public using the shopping centre. Carsington House

The latest plan had 21 written objections and a petition against, with 171 signatures. A number of people were in the public gallery and cheered when it was rejected for a second time.

Speaking against the development, Peter Steer said “commonsense and practicality” should prevail.

Councillor Paul Pegg said: “This development fails to identify a need for student accommodation.” Councillor Steve Hassall added: “I was against it before and I am still against it; there is no need for more flats.” There was a majority to reject the application. l Plans for a new micropub and education centre at the former NatWest bank premises in Mickleover were given the go-ahead.