By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
Nottingham City Council is expected to grant planning permission for an eight storey student housing development opposite Pryzm nightclub.
Developers will demolish existing offices in King Edward Street, Glasshouse Street and Kent Street to build the purpose-built accommodation block including 552 student bedrooms.
Ground floor student facilities would include a gym, basketball court and events space.
The second phase of redevelopment, for which outline planning permission is sought, would be the demolition of an existing office building onto Huntingdon Street.
Residential apartments of up to eight storeys with ground floor offices and retail would be built, made up of 89 bed spaces.
Nottingham Civic Society has issued a strong objection to the development, citing the height of the buildings as a problem.
The society said it would “overwhelm” grade II listed buildings including the former Barton’s Bus Garage.
The society said: “It is regrettable that the height of the development at Glasshouse Street would also result in the loss of the view of the Council House Dome on the skyline in longer views from King Edward Street.
“The proliferation of taller blocks in this vicinity of Eastside, is contributing to the unfortunate impression that cherished views of the city centre’s civic landmarks are no longer worth safeguarding.”
Residents living next to the proposed development in the Litmus Building have also raised concerns about the “unreasonable density” and loss of privacy and sunlight.
The council’s planning team says good quality purpose built student accommodation will attract students out of residential areas, freeing up such accommodation for families.
The development would also meet the housing needs of a growing student population, the planning team added. They also state the development is at a suitable height.
This application comes only a month after a controversial development to build a 13 storey block on nearby Bath Street was approved.
Developers will demolish the former Royal Mail sorting office and build the Bendigo Building, consisting of 692 student beds.
Residents expressed concerns about the height of the building and the noise and antisocial behaviour it would generate.
Councillors had also expressed concerns about the uninspiring design.
Councillors are set to decide the future of the King Edward Street application on Wednesday, September 22 at a planning meeting.
Officers have recommend it is given planning permission.
