Locals 'Disgusted' by Plans for 196-bed Coventry PBSA

Plans were submitted for the Burnsall Road site by Harris Lamb Planning Consultancy on behalf of DR2H (Burnsall Road), proposing the demolition of the the existing industrial building, and erection of a new purpose built student accommodation.

The accommodation will consist of 196 studio units, each having its own bathroom and cooking facilities, as well as a bed and living space.

The proposed building incorporates 6 floors of accommodation. 8 of the units on the top floor will have private roof terraces. The plans also include a communal roof terrace at the southern end of the building.

However, local residents have said they will be "very disappointed" if the accommodation goes ahead.

Burnsall Grove is just a 2 minute walk from the proposed site, and home-owners here say that the new accommodation will have a massive impact on the area. They have particularly raised concerns regarding noise and parking issues that could results from the 'car-free' development.

Dean Allsop, who has lived in the area for 27 years, commented: "This is a residential area, we want to keep it residential. Why can't [they] just build houses for families? There's plenty of land at the university where they could build halls."

Dean stresses that, whilst he has nothing against the students themselves, he believes the area cannot handle the development. He says that vehicles already block pavements on the road.

"There's going to be cars and we haven't got the infrastructure" he said. "It brings crime to the area, students always get robbed." He also raises concerns that the approval of this accommodation could result in further sites being converted for the same use. He is not alone in expressing concerns over noise, crime, and cars.

Other residents have cited worries over the potential environmental impact the development could have.

The plans state that: "Due to lack of stock, the provision of this additional PBSA will give much needed choice for students wishing to live in this type of accommodation next to the campus, and will further support positive university growth."

"The site will deliver a number of benefits including economic benefits through the construction phase in terms of jobs and purchase of materials and services but also once operational by attracting more students into the City and the additional spend they will make to City businesses."

"Provision of PBSA will also have the effect of meeting student demands for high quality accommodation whilst also freeing up traditional housing stock in the City, making this available for other renters and purchasers."

A decision on the application is expected to be delivered in June.