Huge Canterbury Scheme Set for Approval

A huge student accommodation development in Canterbury looks set to be approved after more than 70 letters of support for the scheme.

The University of Kent and St Edmund's School are looking to build almost 1,000 student flats, a sports pavilion, and a squash centre in Giles Lane, on the university campus in the north of the city.

According to the university, the need for additional accommodation is severe, whilst it is estimated the project will provide a £101 million boost to the local economy.

The plans have received support from the city council's planning department with a recommendation for approval. Albeit this is subject to developers contributing £3 million to mitigate pressure on city infrastructure.

A large proportion of those backing the scheme praised the plans to build a state-of-the-art home for the Canterbury Squash Club, as well as a new sports pavilion for St Edmund's.

The accommodation will contain 935 student beds across five blocks, with the hopes of generating around £6.5 million a year for the university.

In recommending the scheme for approval, council officers said: "The proposed scheme would provide considerable benefits in the form of meeting a need for student housing, that would be closely linked to the educational provider and as a result would be integral to the university campus, well linked to the city by public transport and walking routes."

"It would considerably change the street scene of Giles Lane, nonetheless it would reflect the wider character of the campus and contribute positively to the need for student housing in the district in the appropriate location."

"Furthermore, there are benefits arising from the proposal in the form of improved and enhanced sports facilities that will be accessible to the public, but also to school and pupils."