Plans submitted for 566-bed PBSA in Brighton

A planning application has been lodged with Brighton and Hove City Council, proposing the construction of a 566-bed student accommodation.

Plans were submitted by the developers, Cathedral (Moulsecoomb) Advisory LLP, for the site at Moulsecoomb Place, Lewes Road, Brighton.

The five-acre site consists of three distinct parcels of land, one of which is currently home to an existing student accommodation with capacity for 163 students, the plans propose the demolition of this unit. The accommodation was built in the mid-1990s, and the plans describe it as "dated".

Another part of the site is home to Moulsecoomb Place Manor House which dates back to 1790. The manor house is used in a limited capacity by the University of Brighton for supporting office and administrative functions, and to a greater extent by the Moulsecoomb Social Club.

The plans state intention for: "the restoration and reuse of the listed buildings to provide for the retained Moulsecoomb Social Club, and a new integrated hub use consisting of pub and guest bedrooms within the Manor House and with associated restaurant and events space within the Tithe Barn to the rear."

The proposed student accommodation will consist of four blocks, ranging in height from 4 to 15 storeys.

The proposal is for mixed-scheme accommodation split between studios and clusters, it is stated in the plans that 60% of the rooms will be in clusters of between 5 and 8 rooms.

Plans also propose the inclusion of various facilities in the accommodation such as a gym/wellbeing studio. They also state that the accommodation would have staff present 24/7 for security.

Richard Upton, Cathedral chief executive, said: "After two years of careful design and consultation, I would like to thank the community groups, ward councillors and hundreds of people who participated in our consultations and meetings.

"Feedback from local businesses, community groups and residents was crucial to help us establish what would work on this complex site which has been underused for many years.

"We have heard a lot of local support for our proposals which will open up the listed gardens and buildings for everyone to enjoy."