Block of flats is set for approval
Plans to build student flats on the site of a former travel firm HQ are set to be approved.
Lettings agency Parmar Estates wants to demolish the Page and Moy office complex, in London Road, Leicester, and replace it with flats for 79 students.
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The site has been empty since 2006, when the firm moved to Market Harborough.
Sainsbury's had also planned to build a store on the site, but was told it could not have a licence to sell alcohol because of issues with anti-social behaviour in the area.
Yesterday, the firm confirmed that they had put the plans for the shop on hold because of the decision.
Parmar's director Paresh Parmar said the development of the flats would help boost the economy in the area.
He said: "It's a huge site which is sitting there doing nothing and contributing nothing to the economy.
"When Page and Moy was there, the pub opposite was always full and the shops nearby benefited.
"We will have students there and they will bring with them money to spend locally.
"The University of Leicester is crying out for good-quality student accommodation, which we hope to provide."
Mr Parmar said the existing building "looks horrible and is very difficult to secure".
Members of Leicester City Council's planning committee are to discuss the scheme on Tuesday.
Officers have recommended that councillors give it the go-ahead. If approved, the student accommodation could be ready for the start of the 2013 academic year.
Some concerns have been raised about parking but highways officials said they were happy with the proposals because it was unlikely students will use cars.
They have suggested asking for £6,000 from the developers to pay for parking regulations in the area.
A further £50,000 has been requested by the council for recreation equipment elsewhere.
The city council has said it would not permit or refuse any plans for student accommodation blocks until March, when it hoped to have a long-term policy to determine how many there should be and where.
However, a spokesman said this application, from April, pre-dated the moratorium so it could be approved.
10 Comments
by Kohelet
Friday, February 17 2012, 7:56PM
“It is De Montfort not Demontfort.”
by graydjames
Friday, February 17 2012, 6:29PM
“There are a lot of comments here misunderstanding earlier comments.
@ Bob_dogma - The negative comments that have been made in the past, and rightly in my view, concern Demontfort University only as far as I have seen and not Leicester University which these flats are clearly aimed at. Also none of the comments that I have seen have been anti-student. Instead they have been critical of the University for their cosy relationship with the council (and the LM) and for several controversial planning decisions mostly affecting the West End, including destruction of heritage sites. If you lived in the West End you might be able to appreciate the sense of feeling that DMU is taking over.
@ Martin _le3 - You realised that this was not to do with DMU hence your tongue in check comment. However, Bob_dogma clearly did not, so it was somewhat misplaced!
@ Jani88 I think you completely missed Foxfan's point which was obviously aimed at Bob_dogma.
I have no obejction to this proposal. It seems utterly sensible. As for DMU's creeping development of the West End - enough is enough.”
by Jani88
Friday, February 17 2012, 4:51PM
“@martin_le3
People are very lazy today. This area would be classed as far away from De Montfort University. The article clearly states The University of Leicester accommodation as I have pointed out in the post below. But I am sure the landlords will not care if they are Leicester or De Montfort students as long as they get their rent. This is a good use of space, as another user has said and pointed out is doing nothing at this current time.”
by martin_le3
Friday, February 17 2012, 3:41PM
“@Jani88 - I am sure it is aimed at University students, as you say. But, that said, how lazy would a student have to be if they considered the journey from London Road to DMU too much for them? Leicester is a pretty compact city, so it shouldn't make much difference.”
by Jani88
Friday, February 17 2012, 2:46PM
“@ FOXFAN99
The University of Leicester is a 5 minute walk from this location of the city, why would De Montfort University use this area where is nowhere near them?
"The University of Leicester is crying out for good-quality student accommodation, which we hope to provide."
The answer is in the text as above. The De Montfort University has a brand-new build and has a lot of rental homes and flats nearby to them as well as Leicester University. I feel this will help to keep Leicester in the education market for students with the forever growing tuition fees.”
by FOXFAN99
Friday, February 17 2012, 2:31PM
“Presumably these flats will be used by students at LEICESTER UNIVERSITY rather than DMU?”
by Hamilton_Paul
Friday, February 17 2012, 12:55PM
“Seems a good idea. Also does not look like it is destroying any historic buildings which some of the other students accomadation plans have done andit should not effect other residents.
All in all a lot better plans.”
by City_C10
Friday, February 17 2012, 12:22PM
“I cannot see a problem with turning a disused building of around 5/6 years (with no-use) into student flats. The Leicester University is a very well respect academic institution (top 20 in the UK racking of Universities). As for the parking issues, I do not foresee that to be a problem as students do not drive! A great way to recycle a building that is doing nothing for the local people, student's equal money (it is a simple as that). Good luck!”
by martin_le3
Friday, February 17 2012, 9:31AM
“@Bob_dogma -lets see if they blame DMU too ... ;)”
by Bob_dogma
Friday, February 17 2012, 9:15AM
“Cue anti student, evil university taking over city comments in 3, 2, 1...”