New Housing Plans in Lincoln Objected by University

Concerns have been raised by the University of Lincoln over plans for a new student accommodation scheme in the city.

The development, situated on Firth Road, aims to provide almost 600 new beds to students.

The University of Lincoln has objected to the plans, on the expectation that existing accommodation will be large enough to handle the rise of students in the next decade.

Construction company Ashcourt Group is behind the proposals, which will seek approval from the City of Lincoln Council next week.

The works will see the former William Sinclair Holdings and Ruston buildings converted into houses of multiple occupancy, residential apartments, and commercial office space across a two-phased approach.

The first phase would see 67 residential units, 8 apartments, and an office constructed across 22 buildings. Phase two would see a further 3 apartment blocks and nine houses of multiple occupancy, totalling approximately 586 bed spaces.

The university has prepared documents for the council which state: "The objection states that there is a surplus of student accommodation in the city, currently of 2,670 beds which would rise to 3,542 in 2023 if the Firth Road and other pending schemes are granted.

"Whilst those figures have been provided, specific details have not been included as to which of the pending schemes they refer nor where the existing 2,670 surpluses are located within the city. The university objection states that the existing supply of student accommodation is sufficient to support the predicted forecast rise of student numbers over the next decade."

Applicants for the scheme, Ashcourt Group, believe that the proposal would relieve pressure placed on HMO stock in Lincoln.