Ansaar Younis, a Dundee businessman, has applied to convert a care home into a PBSA for 36 students. The care home closed in March this year after over 50 years in operation. Dundee City Council will consider the plans in the coming months.
A design statement by architect Jon Frullani said the plans had come forward after a period of thorough market research and coverage of a student housing crisis in the city.
A minimal number of internal alterations are required to facilitate the change of use, with the existing arrangement suited to the proposed development, given the buildings former care home use. No external works, other than necessary remedial and repair works, are proposed as part of the development.
It is hoped the proposed change of use will result in the following positive outcomes, including higher occupancy rates within the location, given the existing property is currently vacant; increased uptake in the use of bicycles as a means of active travel, with secured and sheltered cycle storage to be provided for residents; and increased footfall into nearby town centre amenities, shops and associated community facilities.
The proposed accommodation will be split across two floors, with 14 bedrooms at ground floor level and 22 bedrooms at first floor level. The majority of bed spaces will have access to a private WC or shower room en suite, however, there will also be dedicated shower room facilities and WCs at each level.
Communal lounges will be provided across both floors, with a large communal kitchen and associated dining facilities at ground floor level. In addition to this, a dedicated laundry/utility room and gym will be provided at ground floor level.
Eight car parking spaces are to be retained, car parking spaces are limited within the curtilage of the site. As such, Ansaar Younis’ proposals will look to encourage active travel, with secure cycle storage provided as part of the proposed development.
“Dundee currently has the highest ratio of student to bed spaces, at 3.15 students to every one bed, 1.05 higher than the national average.
“Dundee has a sizeable student population of around 30,000, however, this figure does not account for any of the recent published growth figures between 2019-24.
“The proposed development is considered a direct response to the growing demand, whilst providing a suitable alternative use for a vacant building.
“Prior to the first occupation, the applicant is proposing to establish an in-house management/caretaker team, as part of the day-to-day operation and management system of the new accommodation.”
Design statement, Jon Frullani, architect
