By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors will decide whether to accept three further developments in Beeston which could house students.
Broxtowe councillors were drawn into a heated debate in February over the impact of students in Beeston as they considered plans to convert an office block at Broadgate House into student homes.
Some argued the area was already at capacity with some streets now occupied entirely by students, with one councillor calling on the university to start building rooms at University Park.
Others said students brought significant spending power to the area and Beeston’s bustling night-time economy was ‘no accident’.
The plans for an 84-bed student development at Broadgate House, which is situated at the junction of Broadgate and Humber Road, was passed by councillors.
Now, councillors will meet again on Wednesday, March 9, to discuss three further development schemes for the town, which could be used by students.
The first application is to change the use of a property in Marlborough Road from residential use to a house in multiple occupancy which will have seven bedrooms.
The application does not state whether it will be occupied by students. It has plans to create a cycle storage unit, gates, and a driveway as part of the plans.
Three residents have objected to the plans stating: ‘Beeston will be turned into a student city” and it means “a loss of family homes”.
Planning officers state: “The benefits of the proposal are that it would provide additional space in an existing house which will contribute to the mix of housing in the area. Although there will be some impact on neighbour amenity and parking, it is considered this will not be detrimental.”
Planning officers have recommended approval.
The second application is to construct a three-storey building to contain six flats of multiple occupancy at land to the rear of the Methodist Church in Wollaton Road in Beeston.
It also wants to construct a bike and bin storage unit. It states the development is for residential use but does not say whether students could occupy the homes.
Planning officers said it creates a building that dominates the Methodist Church to the detriment of its character as well as affecting residents living on Wilkinson Avenue. Refusal has been proposed.
The third application is to construct a three-storey building on retail land for seven apartments and a parking area in High Road, Beeston.
The council says the benefits of the proposal are that the accommodation would provide purpose-built student accommodation and reduce pressure from students on family homes.
Twenty-eight letters of observation and concern were received by the council. One concern is that purpose-built student accommodation should be built on the university grounds.
Planning officers say planning permission should be granted.
Councillors will decide the fate of each application when they meet on Wednesday, March 9.
