Plans for student housing block in Chester refused

CHESHIRE West and Chester Council has refused planning permission for the University of Chester to build a 203-bed accommodation block within its main campus.

The proposals were put before Cheshire West and Chester’s Planning Committee on Tuesday for a part-four and part-five storey block containing refuse storage, secure cycle parking, sports changing facilities, a student common room and a general university reception area.

However, objections to the block were raised by local residents, the Chester Civic Trust and the Council’s Spatial Planning department.

The planning application was refused by nine votes to one on the grounds that it was contrary to the Chester District Local Plan by virtue of its scale.

Committee members also felt the building did not respect the surrounding area and would not make a positive contribution to the area.

Cllr Lynda Jones criticised the design of the building, while Cllr Tom Parry told the meeting that approving the scheme would be detrimental to nearby housing “by virtue of highways impact, including additional traffic and parking, noise and public nuisance”.

However, Cllr David Armstrong supported the application. He said: “I think it’s a good idea for students to have on-site accommodation.”

Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, described the council’s decision as “disappointing”.

“The building was a very carefully considered scheme, with regard to student demand and expectations, the aesthetics of its design and its location.

“It received extensive support from the local community at the University’s public consultation events.

He said the university would review the situation before deciding on its next course of action.