Student Block Gets the Go-ahead Despite Concerns.

Residents who had argued that plans for a block of student accommodation would severely degrade their quality of life have lost their battle to have the proposals thrown out.

The 134-bed block for the University of Chichester will be built next to the Tesco petrol station in Fishbourne Road, Chichester.

Despite residents' concerns over the size of the development and potential for antisocial behaviour, permission was given by Chichester District Council's planning committee last week.

The new development had been compared to a prison block by councillor Lesley Hixon, whilst there were additional concerns raised that questioned how the facility would impact student wellbeing due to the lack of outside space being proposed. Some had also questioned the need for additional student accommodation in the first place.

In response to car parking fees, it's understood that the facility will be car-free, with students being banned from bringing their vehicles to the university.

The committee approved the plans by a majority of seven votes to six, with one abstention.