The report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is enclosed.

This proposal was for the erection of 1 no. 13 storey building and 1 no. part 4 and part 5 storey building to form purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) to provide 425 bedroom spaces together with the refurbishment of number 188 Wilmslow Road (Oakley House) and the demolition of existing extensions. There had been 246 objections to the statutory notification process together with objections from a number of local Civic Societies and residents’ groups. Councillor Ilyas, and Councillor Alijah had also objected together with Withington ward Councillor Wills, Councillor Chambers and Councillor Moore. The site, whilst not in close proximity to the University Campuses, is located along Wilmslow Road which provides a high frequency public transport corridor serving the University Campuses. The proposals would result in a high-density development adjacent to domestic scale developments within Fallowfield, the height, scale and massing of the building would form an over-obtrusive feature within the street scene and the wider area. It had been considered that the proposed 13 storey building would have a poor relationship with the retained Oakley House, a non-designated heritage asset.

The Planning Officer provided an update on the application and informed the Committee that there had been a further 4 objections, but no additional issues raised.

An objector spoke against the application on behalf of local residents. Reference was made to the impact the development would have on Platt Fields Park, Shakespeare Garden and nearby residents. The objector had concerns over the claim that the scheme would reduce the need for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and felt that this was not the case. The objector agreed that the site would benefit from some development but wished to see a scheme for long-term residents.

The applicant addressed the Committee on the application.

Councillor Alijah attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on the application on behalf of other Local Ward Councillors who could not attend. The Committee was informed that the development was unlikely to affect the ongoing use of HMOs for the student population in the area, that the site was next to a park which was a resource for local residents, would cause harm to the local community and was therefore not appropriate.

The Planning Officer referred the Committee to the six reasons for refusal contained in the report submitted and summarised the main areas of concern.

The Chair invited the Committee to ask questions and comment on the application. 

A member spoke with concerns that one of the Universities had backed the application and referred to an agreement with the Executive that student accommodation would be built adjacent to University buildings.

The Planning Officer confirmed the University’s support for this application but stated that it was considered that there was no demonstrated need for additional student accommodation at this location.

Councillor Andrews moved the officer’s recommendation of Refuse for this application. Councillor Richards seconded the proposal. 

Decision 

The Committee refused the application for the reasons detailed in the reports submitted.

(Councillor Stogia declared a prejudicial interest and left the meeting and took no part in the consideration or the decision made on the application.)