More than 260 new student bedrooms could be created as part of a major new Liverpool city centre development.
Plans have been lodged with Liverpool Council’s planning department for the construction of a new student accommodation block of eight, 10 and 11 storey buildings to provide 218 studios with 10 cluster apartments. A commercial unit could also be installed at the site on land at Oldham Place, Roscoe Street.
Documents made available ahead of the city council’s planning committee, which will convene next week, detailed how a number of planning consents had been granted on the site including six and eight storey developments in 2016 and 2018 respectively. Response to Liverpool Council’s consultation had been limited, with one resident living in an overlooking block objecting to proposals on the grounds it could block and adversely impact light levels.
READ MORE: Teenager wanted over fatal 'Litherland running man' hit and run
A single letter of support was received following public consultation, with the respondent saying the development would be a “great addition to a well-developed area, bridging the gap between lower Oldham Place and Roscoe St.” The scheme was described as a “well-considered and sympathetic design, in-keeping with its neighbouring area.”
More than 130 cycle parking spaces would be provided in the basement of the building. The city council’s highways department had sought for spaces to be provided at a rate of one per student bedroom, but to support the city’s cycling rental scheme and improve active travel facilities, a contribution from the developer of £13,700 is required.
Planning documents said: “This is the equivalent of £100 per bedroom without cycle parking provision, which is in keeping with other developer contributions in the vicinity.” Under the council’s policy around the Knowledge Quarter area - which is home to the city’s major universities - facilities to support their operation such as student accommodation will be supported.
The report said: “This in part comes out of the Student Accommodation Review (2015) which identified that the city council should introduce zones of opportunity to encourage/direct purpose built development into the more suitable areas of the City Centre. The ‘most suitable’ area is considered to be in the Knowledge Quarter.”
To ensure that there are no adverse impacts for those residential communities in close proximity to the site, the applicant will be required to produce a student management strategy for implementation through the lifetime operation of the development. In recommending the plans go ahead, council planning officials said: “The proposed residential development will enable the regeneration of a derelict site that is important to the continued redevelopment of the Oldham Street Area.
“It will contribute positively towards a diverse and complimentary mix of uses, in a highly accessible location, and therefore create a sustainable form of development. This new building is of an appropriate scale, height and massing and will create environmental benefits. It will preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the application site and the surrounding historic area, including the series of Grade II listed properties on Mount Pleasant.”
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
READ NEXT
Disgust at the way Pete Price was treated at the Grand National
Mum let go from Jaguar Land Rover job has new career suggested by her daughter
'Sad news' as food stall to close but staff member says McDonalds 'just one thing on top of another'
Teen who threw fireworks at Suites Hotel protest 'was only there for the anarchy'
Shoppers praise 'magic in a tube' £42 eye cream giving 'instant results'
