An appeal has been submitted to Broxtowe Borough Council after its planning committee refused proposals for a mixed-use scheme of student accommodation and commercial space in Beeston.
The decision in July 2022 came despite the scheme being recommended for approval by the planning officer.
The 419-student bed space scheme from Midlands-based developer Cassidy Group was planned for Station Road, next to the Arc Cinema.
Cassidy previously said that the scheme at the edge of Beeston town centre would breathe new life into a derelict site and bring increased footfall and economic benefit to local retailers. They added that it would also free up much-needed housing in the town, currently occupied by students, for family homes.
Detailing why the plans were refused, the planning committee noted that while it “applauded the applicant’s commitment to energy efficiency” there was “concern about the amenity of students living in the accommodation because the rooms were very small, and the intensity of occupation was too high for the size of the site.”
It was also highlighted that there would be an impact on neighbour amenity because of the lack of car parking provided on the site and because the students would only be in occupation for part of the year. The design of the building was also considered to be “unimaginative and inappropriate as a gateway building to Beeston.”
The refusal of the controversial development was praised by Beeston Civic Society, who, in response to the appeal, have set up a petition to uphold the decision. At time of writing, the petition, which is to be sent to the Planning Inspectorate, has 579 signatures.
