Lincoln Student Housing Scheme Given the Green Light

Despite objections by the University of Lincoln, a purpose-built student housing scheme on Firth Road has been granted planning permission by the City of Lincoln Council.

The development will be situated on the historic site of a former First World War aircraft factory. The Ruston Factory, which produced 2,750 aircraft when operational, had more recently been utilised as a car production facility. The landmark site was demolished in 2019.

Objections had been raised by the University of Lincoln, who had argued the student accommodation provisions in the city were already sufficient. Despite this, approval for the almost 600 student beds has been granted.

Developers for the scheme, Ashcourt Group, have commented that the construction will aid the regeneration of the local area. As well as this, it aims to alleviate the pressure on the traditional housing stock in the city, freeing up properties for families.

The university objection claimed there is; "a surplus of student accommodation in the city, currently of 2,670 beds which would rise to 3,542 in 2023."

Construction is expected to take place over two phases, the first of which would see 22 buildings including residential units, an office building and eight apartments. Phase two will involve an additional three apartment blocks and nine HMOs, creating approximately 586-bed spaces in total.