Dundee student accommodation plans greenlit despite opposition

The application, submitted by Glenmore Student Property, for a five-storey building of 98 studio apartments was unanimously backed by local councillors.

Glenmore is also responsible for the near completed student accommodation at 56 Brown Street; a £20 million development with 152 new flats. The Douglas Street accommodation is intended to operate as an extension of 56 Brown Street, sharing facilities.

The proposals face local criticism, with 15 objection letters submitted to Dundee City Council.

Tristan Button, manager of the nearby Dundee Music Studios, expressed his concerns, stating: "I don't even feel like the block that has been built should have been - but it has. Now another one is being built and it all goes against the planning policy for the area. I think that if you want to go ahead and put student flats there that's fine - but you need to change the planning policy. This is not in accordance with the development plan."

Council chiefs acknowledged the proposals' partial non-compliance with the local development plan but argued for approval based on significant justifications.

Gregor Hamilton, head of planning and economic development, stated: "There are a number of arguments that have led officers to the conclusion this development is acceptable - despite not being fully in accordance with the development plan. So that might be the demand for student accommodation that exists within the city and the advantages of this site being close to both higher education institutions. It's a site that's vacant at the moment and bringing a new development in here would be a positive regeneration of a brownfield site. So for those reasons, we have come to the conclusion that it's a recommendation we would be happy to support."

Committee convener Will Dawson added: "Having listened to the deputations this evening and read the objections, I get where the deputations are coming from. But I think we are in a changing scenario in relation to some industrial uses within areas. So having given it my consideration, I'm more than happy to move the recommendation which is for approval."