Massive student development scheme ‘setting the bar’ by including family homes

Student and residential development planned for Radford
By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter

Councillors praised a 790-bed student development scheme which has incorporated family homes into its design.

One councillor said the development is “setting the bar” for future applications when it comes to the student market.

Councillors met at Loxley House on Wednesday, June 22, to decide the fate of the application, which would see 344 apartments built at the derelict  Forest Mill site in Alfreton Road, Radford.

An office tower which once stood on the site was demolished in 2019.

The scheme by applicant Olympian Homes also includes a large gym, a retail unit and 19 family affordable homes.

The student development of town houses, apartments and studios would be spread over three buildings, with the tallest part being eight storeys high.

More than 80 neighbours were consulted on the plans but the documents state “only one letter of objection has been received”, which raised concerns over the lack of car parking in the area.

The development would stretch across Denman Street, Highurst Street and Boden Street.

The project also includes a total financial contribution from the developer of £1.9m.

Cllr Graham Chapman (Lab), vice chair of the planning committee, said the site used to house one of the “ugliest buildings in the city” before it was demolished.

He said : “I have lived with this site for over 10 years. I think it is a damn good scheme. It seems too good to be true. We have got social housing out of it as well, which is really important. It is setting the bar for other developers.”

Cllr Michael Edwards (Lab), chair of the committee, added: “The designs are quite striking but not as impressive as you would like them to be. One tone of brick is perhaps not imaginative enough.”

Cllr Sally Longford (Lab) added: “I am interested in the design [overall] and the design of the homes which look quite attractive with decent garden space, and some affordable housing in that neighbourhood, where it is needed.”

The application was granted planning permission. There was only one abstention from Cllr Kevin Clarke (Ind) who did not comment on his decision.

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