This week, Charnwood Borough Council will decide whether to approve a revised student accommodation scheme in Loughborough, following months of public objections and planning revisions.
The project proposes a six-storey block housing 167 student beds on Browns Lane, replacing the existing building on the site. The original plan, submitted in May 2023, proposed 211 beds over eight storeys but was withdrawn after 170 objections. A revised version initially offered 183 beds, later scaled down to 167 after further consultation.
Despite ongoing opposition—87 objections remain—the council’s planning officers have recommended approval. Residents’ concerns include the building’s scale, impact on nearby homes and landmarks, flood risk, pressure on roads and parking, and fears over antisocial behaviour.
To address flood concerns, the plan includes a “blue roof” system to manage rainwater, with all bedrooms above ground level. The ground floor would house communal facilities, cycle parking, and refuse areas designed to be flood-resilient.
The proposal includes two staff-only parking spaces and 83 cycle spaces, 54 for residents. Students must book time slots for loading and unloading on move-in days to reduce traffic disruption.
Planning officers argue the scheme could ease pressure on local housing by increasing purpose-built student accommodation, improve surveillance in the area, and boost local economic activity due to increased footfall near the town centre. The final decision now rests with councillors.
