New plans have been submitted to replace empty commercial buildings and replace them with a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). The new Stoke PBSA development would offer 202 student flats if plans were to be approved.
Councillors are expected to approve the planning application at a meeting this week (12 to 16 August 2024).
Alongside accommodation, the six-storeys building would provide residents with a gym, laundry, games room, student lounges, cycle stores and a roof garden. Each of the 202 one-bedroom studio flats will include a desk, wardrobe, kitchenette and en-suite bathroom. The site will also be within walking distance of Staffordshire University.
The applicant, Curran & Sons Ltd, has already had planning permission granted for 141 flats on the site in October 2020 to create the Stoke PBSA scheme.
“The relocation of the majority of the University’s courses to the Stoke-on-Trent campus could also increase the number of students seeking accommodation in the private market, generating a need for houses in multiple occupation or purpose-built student accommodation.
“The submitted proposal will provide PBSA to help meet the continued demand for such accommodation.
“In doing so it will bring new residents into the city, thereby generating additional expenditure in the town, and helping to support local services and facilities.”
Orgiinal planning application statement
Planners at Stoke-on-Trent City Council questioned the demand for such accommodation at the time and raised concerns over the height of the block. However, they concluded there were no grounds to refuse the proposal. However, the latest plans would see an increase of 77 flats.
“The site occupies a sustainable location on the edge of the town centre and is within comfortable walking and cycling distance of the various services, facilities and employment opportunities on offer within the town.
“The site also lies 600 metres from the Staffordshire University Campus to the east of the site. The walking route between the two benefits from footways and illumination so is highly conducive to walking.
“The proposed building will be seven storeys in height at its highest point, with the southernmost end of the building being five storeys in height, gradually rising up in height in a northerly direction. The proposed development does not propose any off-street parking provision but is not considered to raise any material highway safety concerns on account of the highly sustainable location of the site.”
Council planing statement
The council’s highways department says it wants more detail from the applicant in relation to where visiting cars will be directed, as well as the management strategy for moving in and out days, which could cause traffic congestion.
“The town centre and its various services and facilities are located within easy walking distance of the site, with the city train station also readily accessible on foot.
“The main Staffordshire University Campus also lies 600 metres from the site and is therefore also readily accessible on foot or by bicycle.”
Design and access statement
