By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
Residents say they feel student housing has been given ‘priority’ over affordable homes in Beeston after plans were published for an 84-bed development.
Developers want to transform and expand Broadgate House, and add a fourth floor to the building, to create student accommodation.
It will create 17 cluster flats and nine studio flats in total, as well as providing off-street parking and a cycle storage area.
The site includes a part-vacant three storey detached office building located on a corner site at the junction of Humber Road and Broadgate.
The site is in a mixed commercial and residential area.
Broxtowe Borough Council’s planning officers say the proposal would provide purpose-built student accommodation and allow for “less pressure” on family homes being transformed into student houses.
There have been 25 resident objections to the proposal, with some stating there is an “absence of evidence to demonstrate the need for student accommodation in this location”.
Residents are also worried about parking problems along Humber Road and Coventry Road, loss of privacy, and concerns over a rise in anti-social behaviour including litter and noise.
However, planning officers believe the application by Broadgate House Ltd should be granted planning permission.
They said: “Concerns have been raised from neighbours that this development would result in an increase in student accommodation within Beeston, that student accommodation has been given priority over affordable housing.
“This development does not justify a requirement for affordable housing provision and none is being sought.
“This development would result in an increase in student accommodation within Beeston but there is an identified need for this type of accommodation within this area as the site is in close proximity to Nottingham University.
“It could be considered that providing more purpose-built student accommodation within Beeston means this scheme could reduce the demand on more traditional housing being converted into rental properties for students.
“Therefore, it is considered the development may result in more properties within the wider area being available for first time buyers or families.
“This development should therefore be viewed favourably in terms of wider housing provision.”
Councillors will meet at a planning committee on February 2 to determine whether the application should be accepted.
