Controversial student ‘halls of residence’ could be pushed through the back door after developers downsized plans, fear residents.
More than 100 residents living in the Garden Quarter have already objected to proposals to house hundreds of students on land at Tower Wharf off Raymond Street.
But now, after Miller Developments down-sized plans from 408 to 350 apartments, residents fear the plans may get through on a ‘planning technicality’ if new objections are not made.
The amended plans, which also reduce the scale of the blocks from six to five storeys and designated car parking by eight spaces, were met with criticism by residents when they were submitted last week.
“People are more concerned about the impact on the area of having such a large number of students living here than the building itself,” said campaigner and Garden Quarter resident Rachel Dison.
“Reducing it by one storey does not make much of a different. We knew the developers would do this, they have taken a box and ticked it so that the planners have less grounds to object on. I don’t think residents will be fooled. It is a game they play to get the plans through the planning committee, but we must not let it happen. We have to make a stand against it.”
The amendments come after an influx of objections from residents, as well as numerous national and local bodies, including the Canal and Rivers Trust, English Heritage and Chester Civic Trust.
And in an attempt to address the concerns of residents living close to the development, representatives from Miller Developments and planning officials have agreed to attend a public meeting at Garden Lane Church on December 4.
Andrew Sutherland, joint managing director of Miller Developments, said: “In response to the consultation process we have undertaken in relation to Tower Wharf, we have carefully considered the feedback received from local residents and stakeholders and revised our plans in order to address some of their key concerns.”
“We have also been in discussion with Chester University about adopting their Student Management Plan for the facility once it is complete, resulting in a facility which would be fully managed by the university.
“In addition, we are working with the Canal & River Trust and the planners to ensure the materials for the development are appropriate and to develop a strategy to improve and enhance the amenity within the area surrounding the canal.”
A public meeting will be held at 7pm on Wednesday, December 4 at Garden Lane Methodist Church concerning the plans.
