Developer turns building into student accommodation without permission

A developer is seeking retrospective planning approval after converting a building into student accommodation without realising it required permission.

OSM Leicester purchased Millstone House in Leicester city centre in 2015. At the time, the building had 11 residential flats with a total of 40 bedrooms.

In 2021, OSM began renovating the property to create 36 student rooms, completing the project in September 2022.

The company is now asking Leicester City Council for approval, claiming they were unaware that planning permission was needed.

They argue that since the building was already used for student accommodation when they bought it, they did not realise the legal use was different from what was required for their renovations.

The legal designation for Millstone House is residential, which differs from the student housing classification and requires separate planning permission.

OSM maintains they were not informed of this requirement. They undertook the renovation because the existing rooms were in poor condition, had structural issues, and did not meet current building standards.

The refurbishment included reducing the number of rooms, replacing two doors with windows, adding bicycle parking and creating a small outdoor space and indoor communal areas.

Planning documents confirm that the building’s use as student accommodation is “well-established.”

A decision on the application is expected by 28 October.