Eighty-five student apartments recommended for approval in Chester city centre

Jan 13 2012 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

RESUBMITTED plans for 85 student apartments in the city centre are due to be decided on Tuesday (January 17).Š

The application has been put forward at the former careers office on George Street.Š

The development, proposed by George Street Projects Ltd, has been called in to Cheshire West and Chester Council's planning committee by city centre councillor Samantha Dixon (Lab).Š

Cllr Dixon believes that issues including parking and the effect of the ‘large' development on all residents in George Street, particularly on the privacy of occupiers living in small listed cottages opposite, should be fully dealt with.Š

The former early 20th century school building, which has distinctive brickwork and slate pitched roofs, is visible from the city walls and from St Oswald’s Way, according to a report.Š

The premises are vacant and are showing signs of disrepair including broken windows.Š

They would be converted and extended to create the apartments which would have 20 car parking spaces and 34 spaces for cycles.Š

A three-storey extension would be added at the side of the property, which is close to recently built affordable housing on Gorse Stacks and a four-storey extension at the rear.

A previous application for 92 apartments was rejected in March 2011.

No objections have been raised by the highway authority or by environmental protection specialists who believe that concerns which have arisen can be dealt with through planning conditions.Š

The borough council's conservation officer feels the resubmitted application overcomes the previous reasons for refusal.Š

Individual objectors have raised concerns about the scheme and have asked for the building to be restored.Š

They are worried about the concentration of student accommodation away from the university and college campuses.Š

The development would contribute positively to the quality and local distinctiveness of the area, planning officers believe.Š

The modern design extensions would preserve the character and appearance of the city centre conservation area.Š

There would be no undue effect on the amenity of neighbours.Š

The application is recommended for permission subject to 17 conditions.Š

The planning committee meets at HQ in Chester at 4pm.