Large student flat plans for Kingsthorpe recommended for planning approval

Councillors on the planning committee are set to agree next week whether to follow that advice and approve the plans, which have been submitted by U3 Developments Limited.

The current application follows a similar scheme that was approved on appeal in June 2016. The updated application includes 54 extra bedrooms; the conversion of a grade II listed building into two new retail units, a gym and a student hub; and a basement car park with 36 spaces.

The flats would be spread across six blocks, with blocks A to D forming a three-storey terrace row on Bective Road and Yelvertoft Road. Blocks E and F would form one three-storey building to the south of the existing listed building in line with Yelvertoft Road.

The listed building – the former Abraham Lee boot and shoe factory – dates back to 1902 and is partially derelict. Part of it has been vacant for ‘an extended period of time’ according to the council, while part was recently used by a martial arts studio and furniture restoration company. The two retail units would front onto Bective Road, while the student hub would have a common room, kitchen, and cycle and bin stores.

It is parking however that has raised the most concern during the consultation period.

Northamptonshire County Council’s highways department states: “Whilst a minibus is provided by the University to provide transport to Bedford Road, and public transport is available, it is inevitable that a percentage of students will bring personal vehicles into the area. Parking on the street is in high demand and these likely vehicles will inevitably affect the amenity of existing residents in the area.”

Despite its comments, the highways team raised no objections, though it has asked for developer contributions towards traffic regulation alterations and bus shelters.

Councillor Sally Beardsworth, a ward councillor for Kingsthorpe and the leader of the Liberal Democrats, raised concern regarding the height of the building and the lack of parking facilities, adding that the University is now not in Kingsthorpe ‘so there shouldn’t be a need for student accommodation’.

Twenty-three letters were also received by the borough council, with comments echoing those of Councillor Beardsworth, as well as criticising the appearance of the building as ‘overpowering, imposing and not sympathetic to the local area’.

Planning officers, however, said that ‘any harm to the historic environment would be outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme’. The decision however ultimately rests with members of the planning committee, which will meet virtually next Tuesday (May 19) at 5pm. The meeting will be broadcast live on YouTube.