Chester Bus Depot Makes Way for Student Accommodation

A 323-bed student accommodation development in Chester has been given the green light despite concerns over its size and design.

Cheshire West and Chester Council planning committee approved the plans by Liverpool Road Chester Limited, a subsidiary of Watkin Jones, to build the student accommodation on the current Stagecoach depot site in Liverpool Road.

The bus company, which currently occupies the site, has already lodged a separate planning application for a replacement depot on part of Chester FC's car park, in Sovereign Way.

Councillors argued the land would be better used to tackle a lack of suitable housing for families, but developers Watkin Jones suggested there was considerable demand for student places and accommodation.

The company's managing arm, Fresh Student Living, already operates several schemes in the city including those at Abbeygate, Tramways and The Towpath.

The plans were recommended for approval by the council planning officer and were granted approval by seven votes to three.