Student Housing Complex in Norwich Seeks Approval

Councillors are set to decide on plans for a large purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Norwich next week.

The plans are set to transform a former car garage and showroom in the city centre into a complex of 141 studio bedrooms.

The complex, which has been proposed by Manchester real estate company Crosslane Group, will range in height between three and nine storeys. The existing structure will be demolished to make room for the development.

The planning proposal is set to go in front of the Norwich city council and has been altered from the previous application put forward in 2019. Some of the changes include the reduction in the height of the building by 1m, cutting five units from the plans, relocating bin and cycle storage and the removal of a roof terrace.

The development will be car-free and have space for 54 cycle racks within the building.

Concerns have been raised by local residents, with 35 letters of objection submitted so far. Key concerns include light impacts on adjacent properties, the building being too tall and a worry that the lack of parking may be naive.

Jamie Osborn, councillor for Mancroft Ward, has objected to the application, expressing fears the plans would lead to a loss of privacy for surrounding properties and concerns that the complex would be out of character. He stated: "I am therefore both concerned about the immediate impact of the proposed building on the heritage area, and also concerned that it could set a precedent for ever-higher buildings."

Planning officers have recommended the plans be approved, calling it a "highly sustainable location", arguing that the development should not have an unacceptable impact on heritage assets or neighbours.