Major student development blocked by concern over falling student demand

Plans for a large student accommodation scheme in Selly Oak have been blocked by Birmingham councillors.

A final decision on Hines’s proposed development for 1,187 units has been “deferred, minded to refuse” after a vote of the planning committee.

The decision was made despite council officers’ recommendations to approve and the meeting being told by Birmingham City Council’s interim assistant director for planning Sean Hannaby “there doesn’t appear to be a good reason for us to refuse this application”.

The Triangle

The application for The Triangle development on the site of the former Sainsbury’s had already been deferred in November to allow the Council to update its position paper on student accommodation need and demand.

This was presented to councillors ahead of the vote and its findings included that the University of Birmingham expects to need an 3,000 additional bedrooms over the next five years.

However Cllr Julie Johnson, the council member for Weoley and Selly Oak, set out the objections that found favour with the planning committee members. She questioned the demand for more student accommodation and argued that there is not a “demonstrated need for this development”.

“I think we’ll all agree that Covid isn’t short term,” said Cllr Johnson. “Whilst the report suggests student intake is to return to normal, wWe are in lockdown three, and I don’t think any of us can agree that there isn’t a new normal for anybody.”

She added: “Just because something is well located, does not mean it is right for the community or is needed, and the aspirations of the University of Birmingham should also consider the impact on the community and the impact on the local neighbourhood.”

Hannaby, responding to the councillors’ comments and questions, said: “Whether it gets built or not, isn’t for us to decide. If we give planning permission today, the market will then take a view on whether there’s sufficient evidence to build the project.

“If it turns out over the next six to 12 months that Cllr Johnson’s or others fears about the impacts for Covid is met, then they will either delay commencement, or not build the scheme at all.

“Based on the evidence available to you today, you don’t have any evidence to show that there isn’t a need, and that you can make any other decision, other than to follow the recommendation.”