Green light for 93 student flat scheme on empty car park in Southampton
Objectors say the site would be better used for affordable housing
Fears have been raised about the number of large student accommodation blocks coming down the track in Southampton as another scheme was approved by councillors.
Proposals to build 93 studios across two blocks an the empty car park site at Six Dials went before members of the planning and rights of way panel.
This was after Bargate ward councillor Sarah Bogle objected to the development.
Cllr Bogle said she was unsure there was demand for the project in its location, adding it was a “prime site for affordable housing”.
Speaking at the panel meeting on Tuesday, April 21, Simon Reynier, chairman of City of Southampton Society, said the group’s main concern related to the overprovision of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in the city.
Mr Reynier said: “It is only when there is an oversupply resulting in PBSA vacancies that we will know that capacity has been reached.”
He added: “I think we need to be careful about building more and more student accommodation when we are not sure of the need for it.”
The scheme, which was submitted by The Naked Property Group, includes a retail unit set to be occupied by Tesco.
The 0.17-hectare site, which sits on the corner of Kingsway and Northam Road, was previously a long stay car park for Solent University with public parking during evenings and weekends.
Planning agent Andrew Black, representing the applicant, said: “It is acknowledged that a supply of student accommodation is coming forward in the city but there is no indication the demand has been fully met or the market for student accommodation is anywhere near saturation level.”
Mr Black said the submitted student accommodation needs assessment showed there remained a “substantial shortfall” across Southampton, with around a third of students living in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) or existing private rented accommodation.
He said this was well above the national average of other university towns and cities.
The consultant said an affordable housing scheme on the brownfield site was not viable.
Mr Black added: “On the contrary, the development for the site as purpose-built student accommodation is deliverable and if approved, the applicant is committed to commencing development immediately and that will see this vacant brownfield site brought into use.”
Panel member Cllr Ginnie Lambert said she was not particularly happy about another PBSA scheme in the Bargate ward she represents.
Cllr Lambert said: “As a committee we have heard the arguments from developer of PBSAs on a number of occasions.
“Hopefully our own student needs assessment is progressing and coming forward.
“Having said all that, I don’t think there’s anything on this particular scheme I could object to.”
The panel voted to approve the application, subject to an acceptable sustainable drainage strategy and the completion of a legal agreement, which will include a financial contribution towards lighting and CCTV improvements in the nearby subway.