PLANS for six-storey accommodation for 800 students in Coventry are set for council planning approval next week despite opposition.
The huge development would be situated on a car park on De Montford Way near the Cannon Park Shopping Centre.
The application by developers ES Coventry proposes the 808-bed student block along with a new multi-storey car park.
It is recommended for approval subject to conditions at a Coventry City Council planning committee meeting next Thursday (February 14).
About 220 letters of objection were submitted to the council during consultation phases, with many residents saying it is too large, out of character and would have an impact on neighbouring properties.
A further petition was lodged containing 110 signatures in opposition to the plans.
The plan features in the council’s Local Plan adopted in 2017 which outlines a need for 42,400 homes in the Coventry area by 2031.
A planning officer’s report states the plans would include a 422-space multi-storey car park to replace the existing car park with nearly 500 spaces – used by both shoppers and Jaguar Land Rover workers.
A further car park in the new plans would include 67 spaces for students.
The report states residents are also concerned by the loss of car parking spaces for shoppers.
The new plans also include 240 cycle spaces to serve the student population and a new pedestrian crossing.
On the ground floor of the block there would be communal areas, gym spaces, study spaces, laundry facilities, coffee spaces, bin stores and general recreational areas, the report says.
It states: “The proposed development is considered to be acceptable in principle and will not result in any significant impact upon neighbour amenity, highway safety, ecology or infrastructure, subject to relevant conditions and contributions.
“The proposed development introduces a high-quality building in this important location within the Cannon Park Major District Centre and as detailed above has been designed to respect, preserve and enhance the site and surrounding area whilst also introducing a mix of uses which will help to revitalise the centre.
“There have been several objections to the scheme on the grounds that the proposal will cause an overbearing impact on neighbouring residential properties through overlooking and visual intrusion.
“It is accepted that there will be a change in outlook for the occupiers of nearby residential properties. However it is considered that there are sufficient separation distances, as well as the scaling back in height away from the closest properties and the green wall planting which all contribute to a reduction in the impact on nearby residential properties.”
