Planning Appeal Win Welcome Success for Lincoln Architect
On October 17th 2024, Wilson Architects, a Lincoln Architect, successfully secured planning permission for a 50-bed student accommodation project in Leicester in collaboration with development consultancy Marrons. The successful appeal comes as a welcome win after an initial rejection in February 2024.
Located at the Think Tank on the University of Lincoln campus, Wilson Architects took great pride in designing the project that ultimately secured approval.
Following the refusal in February 2024, the fresh HMO design addresses the growing need for student housing in Leicester. Through innovative design adjustments and dedication, Wilson Architects and Marrons were able to demonstrate the project’s long-lasting value.
The proposed design features two blocks of flats – a four-storey building with 29 studios, and a three-storey with 21 studios. Whilst compact, they all exceed the dimensions for a studio space, carefully designed by award-winning Lincoln Architect, Wilson Architects. The space is complemented by a spacious communal room and a well-designed garden area. These all ensure the resident students have adequate and comfortable social spaces.
Refreshing Designs with Residents in Mind
A February concern was that an alleyway adjacent to the building did not have a secure entrance. Wilson Architects and Marrons collaborated to provide a reworked proposal, inclusive of a secure entrance, in addition to considering security lighting and CCTV in the alley, assuaging security concerns.
Another opinion the local authority had was focused on the bin-collection arrangement.
The Refuse Strategy (Encs 512) of the building accounted for alternate PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) sites which Marrons manages. This allows the waste management to be carried out privately. Both Biffa and Suez confirmed that the Strategy was acceptable, with the bin store and access suitably positioned. Designed to ensure a clean line of sight, the storage area is also neat and tidy.
On appeal, the Planning Inspector, Andrew Smith BA (Hons) MA MRTPI, was made aware that the Officer Report confirmed no objections from the Highway Authority or the Council’s Wate Management Team. He concluded that there was no substantial evidence to suggest that the Strategy or bin collection would be a detriment to the area, or issue to residents.
Another point of contention aired by the local authority was the perceived loss of the warehouse. The set-to-be demolished Antique Warehouse has been disused for half a decade. The business relocated to Blaby, Leicester, in January 2020, under a new name.
A Win for Student HMO’s in Leicester
Sachin Parmar, Planning Director at Marrons, representing ASKKD Limited, said, “The existing warehouse has been disused since 2019, making this an excellent example of brownfield development, working towards the purpose-built student accommodation deficit in the city.”
The project contributes to alleviating the student housing shortage and also exemplifies the importance of collaboration between architects and developers.
As the development progresses, it promises to breathe new life into a previously neglected site whilst providing essential accommodation for students in Leicester. This planning appeal victory is a testament to the power of collaboration, and thoughtful architecture, when regarding urban challenges and enhanced community living for students.
Andrew Smith, Inspector, said: “To my mind, an innovative design approach has been taken to ensure that acceptable standards of outlook would avail without compromising either the privacy of neighbouring occupiers or the development potential of the site.”
Wilson Architects are absolutely delighted by the Inspectors summary, and are set to help with various HMO’s for the duration of 2024.
If you have a HMO planning you require development assistance with, tell us about your idea by sending us a new project enquiry and we’ll be happy to assist.
