544-bed Coventry PBSA Rejected by Councillors

Plans were submitted in November last year for the demolition of the offices building at Progress House, Westwood Way in Coventry, to be replaced with student accommodation comprising of 544 beds.

Locals were opposed to the plans, and nearly 70 letters of objection were sent to the council. Concerns were raised on points including noise, anti-social behaviour, and the impact on the residential area.

Despite these concerns, it seemed likely the three to six-storey accommodation would be approved. Council officers stated there were no "material reasons" the application should be turned down.

The council's lead planning officer had said that the plans should be approved as the block would "respect the scale and character of the surrounding area."

However, after an extended discussion at the meeting held on 20 July, councillors voted 5 to 2 in favour of refusing the scheme.

Residents attending the meeting made cases claiming the structure would be an "eyesore" and "dominate the skyline".

Three councillors had previously sent petitions against the proposal, and were also in attendance to raise their concerns including that "This would be like having a student village next door".

Following the vote for the decision, discussion continued to confirm the reasons for the rejection. Some concerns were ruled out as they would not be upheld on appeal.