Worry over student accommodation schemes

Concerns have been raised about the number of sites being lost for purpose-built student accommodation in Birmingham.

Members of Birmingham City Council’s planning committee discussed two major proposals for large student blocks – approving one but rejecting the other.

During discussions, councillors said the city was struggling with a housing crisis and questioned whether so many dedicated student homes were needed across the city.

But officers said their data showed universities were continuing to grow and the demand for accommodation expected to be high in Selly Oak and Edgbaston.

The committee approved the first application which proposed the demolition of Lonsdale House in Blutcher Street and replace it with a 10-storey block providing 198 bed spaces.

Councillor Gareth Moore said: “We are not awash with homeless students and I do think we need to bear that in mind when it comes to determining what sites we set aside for purpose built student accommodation.

“That said, this is an ugly building and what is proposed is a significant improvement on that.”

Councillor Martin Brooks added: “It’s clear there are some areas in the city, particularly around Birmingham University where there is a substantial demand for student accommodation.

“But that demand is less so in some other areas including the city centre.

“We’re approving many applications for one-bed rented accommodation in the city and, in all honesty, a lot of that kind of accommodation is probably really only suitable for students.”

Committee chairman Councillor Lee Marsham said: “If we had colleagues here from Selly Oak wards, I’m sure they’d tell you their dismay at the number of family homes that have been lost.

“When we are so desperate for family homes, it’s disappointing almost an entire area of our city has become so student centralised.

“There is a role for purpose-built student accommodation and we need to make sure we get that correct.”

Councillor Moore added: “In the 10 years I’ve been on planning committee, Selly Oak hasn’t changed despite all the purpose built student accommodation applications that have been approved.

“We are approving more accommodation and losing valuable sites that could be used to deliver housing.”

The second application discussed was for a six-storey student block in Frederick Road, which would feature 184 self-contained studios and 55 en-suite rooms.

Again, Councillor Moore reiterated his concerns about losing potential housing sites for student accommodation.

He added: “It’s in a conservation area and its disappointing this is more in keeping with that.

“I would have been more supportive of it had it reflected the history and character of that area.”

Planning officers said there had been no objections received by conservation officers.

But committee members voted to rejected the proposal due to the impact the new building would have on the conservation area and design of the building.