Developers appeal against rejected plans for 425 bed student block in Fallowfield

Developers have appealed against a decision to reject plans for a new 'overbearing' 425-bed student accommodation scheme in Manchester.

The Watkin Jones Group had submitted plans to redevelop the headquarters of the former Usdaw union on Wilmslow Road in Fallowfield into ‘high quality and attractive’ managed student accommodation.

But councillors and planning officers had agreed that the build would have an ‘overbearing’ impact on residential properties and Platt Fields Park.

READ MORE: 'Nonsensical' plans to build new student block in Fallowfield rejected

More than 250 objections were also lodged against the scheme and the plans were thrown out in September.

Planning chiefs said it would introduce up to 425 students into an area 'already experiencing high levels of student occupation.'

The applicant failed to demonstrate a formal agreement with a local university, or another provider of higher education.

Now, Watkin Jones has lodged an appeal against the council’s decision to refuse the project.

They told M.E.N that Manchester is seeing a 'growing need' to provide homes for people who are studying and that they were 'disappointed' by the decision.

A spokesperson said: “Manchester remains a popular destination for students, who play an important role in the local economy.

The proposed development would be on the former site of the Usdaw Union (Google Maps)

"There is a growing need to provide good homes in sustainable locations for people during their studies, which also takes pressure off local housing, so we were disappointed with the committee’s decision.

"We remain committed to engaging positively with the city council and local community throughout our appeal.”

If approved, the plans would see two buildings, 13 storeys and five storeys high, built on the site while the Victorian-era Oakley Villa would be refurbished.

Manchester City Council has previously said it wants to see popular student areas freed up for other families.

The council is currently losing out on council tax contributions as students choosing to live in private rented accommodation are exempt from paying it.

Rejecting the plans, planning chiefs said the proposal would 'not give rise to a positive regeneration impact.'

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