521-bed Student Development Approved in Chichester

Despite objections from The University of Chichester Students' Union, plans to build a 521-bed student accommodation scheme have been approved.

The proposed development was put forward by private firm Osborne and will result in the construction of 521 bed spaces on brownfield land at Portfield Quarry and UMA House, in Oving.

Objections were raised in regards to the safety of students travelling two kilometres to the university campus, while questions were also raised over the need for purpose-built student accommodation.

A report submitted to Chichester District Council's planning committee, said: "The provision of purpose-built student accommodation within the city is identified by the local plan as an issue which needs to be addressed during the current plan period."

It was suggested to councillors that students living in private rented houses throughout the city were adding increased pressure. However, the student union said, traditionally students have preferred to live as part of the community.

The union also had concerns over the sustainability of the development, with the plot situated close to the A27. It also argued analysis of the demand for student accommodation was 'fundamentally flawed', adding it expects greater growth in student numbers at the university's Bognor Regis Campus because of a new multi-million-pound technology park.

Two councillors voted against the plans but the 12 other members of the community welcomed the proposal.