COUNCILLORS have rejected plans from the University of Chester to build a 203-bedroomed accommodation block within its main campus.

They overturned the advice of their planning officers and voted down the application for a flat-roofed, part four-storey, part five-storey building on a sports pitch at the main university campus.

The scheme was taken to Cheshire West and Chester Council's planning committee by the borough's development planning manager, Fiona Edwards, as she believed the application was of ‘significant importance and public interest’.

Councillors were told in a report there were ‘a number of objections’ which raised concerns about piecemeal applications by the university without an overall development plan.

It was argued the university's applications had ‘eroded the amenity of the immediate campus area for years’ and that a masterplan should be developed across the city.

It is also claimed the university had outgrown Chester.

The building itself was said to be over-large and cheap-looking, with opponents suggesting the university should be striving for excellence in architecture.

Concerns were raised about parking, additional traffic, especially at the junction of Parkgate Road and Cheyney Road, increased noise including that from student parties and overlooking of neighbours' gardens.

Objectors believed the development would create ‘a claustrophobic and depressing atmosphere’.

Chester Civic Trust also commented on the ‘low standard of design’.

The new build would include sports changing facilities and a student common room, according to a report.

The university told planning officers the development may enable it to return some university-owned accommodation back to the housing market but planners pointed out there was no way of securing this.

Although the block would not be a landmark building, planners believed it would not look out of place.

They did not feel there would be any undue effect on neighbours or unacceptable noise.

The university described the design as ‘high quality’ and pointed out there had been ‘extensive’ consultations.

Cllr Tom Parry (Con), who represented the area for three years, told the committee the ‘high concentration of students’ in the Garden Lane and Canal Basin area had caused ‘severe harm’ to the amenity of residents and the general character and appearance of the locality.

Committee chairman Cllr Ralph Oultram (Con) said he was ‘not comfortable’ with the application and councillors rejected the plans due to the size of the proposed building and its effect.

Following the decision, university vice chancellor Prof Tim Wheeler said: “The University regrets that its proposal for new student accommodation to house 203 students on its main campus was refused. It is disappointing.

“The building was a very carefully considered scheme, with regard to student demand and expectations, the aesthetics of its design and its location.

"It received extensive support from the local community at the university’s public consultation events".

The vice chancellor added: “The University is reviewing the situation.”