Chester Scheme Left Almost Empty

Primus Property Group is seeking permission to let out rooms to non-students at Chester's Northgate Studios due to receiving "barely any bookings" for the next academic year.

The operator wants to vary a condition to the planning consent it was granted for the 150-bed scheme on Trafford Street, which would enable it to be used for unrestricted residential accommodation until July 2022.

In an application submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council, the applicant said the current climate had rendered Northgate Studios as "almost completely empty and unused".

However, according to the applicant, there is "very real interest" from residents in letting rooms which would be suited for the needs of key workers.

Highways officer Paul Parry has dismissed the idea, suggesting there are significant concerns about the insufficient car and cycle parking provision. Meanwhile, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, says the plans for short term letting is "not appropriate with the current level of fire precautions in place", and it hopes evidence of suitable measures will be provided to them before any change of use is granted.