Plans have been submitted to demolish an office building next door to a primary school in Northampton and replace it with a four-storey student accommodation block containing 33 rooms.

Proposals have been submitted to West Northamptonshire Council to demolish and convert 75 The Avenue in Cliftonville, next to Abington Vale Primary School, into student accommodation.

According to planning documents, the scheme would provide 33 student units made up of a mixture of cluster flats and self-contained studio apartments. The cluster flats would occupy the lower floors, with en-suite bedrooms sharing kitchen and living areas, while studio accommodation would be located on the upper floor.

The applicant 75 The Avenue Limited, owned by Amreek Singh Chandi and Sundeep Momi, say : "The proposal would redevelop a previously developed site within the urban area of Northampton, replacing an existing office building of limited architectural merit with a purpose-built student accommodation scheme in a sustainable location.

Proposals have been submitted to build the student accommodation at 75 Avenue (middle), which sits between Abington Vale Primary School (right) and a recently approved 23-bed HMO (left).

placeholder image — Proposals have been submitted to build the student accommodation at 75 Avenue (middle), which sits between Abington Vale Primary School (right) and a recently approved 23-bed HMO (left).

"The proposal would make efficient use of the site and contribute to the delivery of specialist accommodation for a group with specific housing requirements. It would also reduce pressure on the existing housing stock and is consistent with the council's established approach in recent decisions relating to purpose-built student accommodation in Northampton.

"The scheme would provide a good standard of accommodation for future occupiers, with a suitable mix of cluster flats and studio units, good levels of outlook and daylight, and appropriate supporting facilities including refuse storage, cycle parking and amenity space."

The site sits between Abington Vale Primary School and a neighbouring office building at number 71, which was recently granted permission to be converted into a 23-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Planning papers state: "The school to the west of the site is unaffected by the proposal since it is not a residential use and there will be a generous separation distance between the two buildings."

The proposed development would be car-free. The applicant said: "The site is located within a sustainable urban area, within walking distance of Northampton town centre and well served by public transport. As a result, the development is expected to operate on a predominantly car-free basis, which is typical for purpose-built student accommodation in such locations."

Developers argue that purpose-built student accommodation can help ease pressure on Northampton's private rental market by providing dedicated housing for students.

Documents submitted with the application state that the University of Northampton had more than 15,000 full-time students during the 2023/24 academic year, with many relying on privately rented accommodation.

The planning statement also points to other student accommodation developments approved in Northampton in recent years, including schemes at The Drapery, College Street and Orient House.

The application is now awaiting a decision from West Northamptonshire Council, which has set a target decision date of August 28.