Student Accommodation

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Student accommodation in England typically refers to housing specifically designed or adapted to meet the needs of students attending universities, colleges, or other educational institutions. At En-Plan we have extensive experience of a1ssisting clinets in thsi sector from Planning Appraisals to assess the suitability of a property for student accommodation to full House in Multiple Occupation conversions.

 

What are the defining characteristics of student accommodation?

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Student accommodation is purpose-built or purpose-adapted for student living. It includes various types of housing, such as dormitories, halls of residence, student apartments, or purpose-built student housing complexes. These accommodations are designed to provide students with a conducive living and learning environment. Student accommodation is usually located in close proximity to universities, colleges, or other educational institutions to ensure convenience for students. This allows easy access to campus facilities, lectures, libraries, and other academic resources.

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Student accommodation often provides a range of facilities and amenities that cater to the specific needs of students. These may include furnished bedrooms, communal study areas, common rooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, internet connectivity, and on-site management or support services. Student accommodation prioritizes the safety and security of its residents. It may include measures such as secure entry systems, CCTV surveillance, on-site staff or security personnel, and fire safety precautions to ensure a secure living environment.

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What are the Planning Policies controlling student accommodation?

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In England, planning policies governing student accommodation are primarily set at the local level by individual local planning authorities. These policies may vary from one area to another, but there are some general considerations and guidelines that often apply. Here are some common planning policies that control student accommodation: Planning policies aim to ensure that student accommodation developments meet certain design and quality standards. This includes considerations such as the size and layout of rooms, communal areas, accessibility, amenities, and the overall appearance of the development. Policies may regulate the mix of accommodation types within a development, such as en-suite rooms, shared flats, or self-contained studios, to cater to different student needs. They may also set limits on the overall density of student accommodation in a particular area to avoid an overconcentration of student housing. Planning policies often consider the location of student accommodation in relation to educational institutions. They may encourage developments close to universities or colleges, or within walking or cycling distance of campuses, to minimize the need for extensive travel and transportation. Policies address the impact of student accommodation on local communities. They may assess factors such as noise, disturbance, parking provisions, waste management, and the overall integration of the development within the surrounding area. Some local authorities may require developers of student accommodation to contribute towards affordable housing provision in the area. This helps to balance the demand for student housing with the need for affordable housing for other segments of the population. Conservation Areas and Heritage: In areas with historic or conservation significance, planning policies may have specific requirements to ensure that the design and development of student accommodation respect and preserve the heritage and character of the surrounding area. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Policies often promote sustainability and energy efficiency in student accommodation. This may involve requirements for energy-efficient design, use of renewable energy sources, water conservation measures, and sustainable transport provisions.

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How can En-Plan assist with your student accommodation project?

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En-Plan can play a valuable role in assisting with a student accommodation project. Firstly we can assist withts site assessment and feasibility and assist with a plannig appraisal to see if the project is worth taking forward.

Planning Applications and Permits: We can help navigate the planning application process. They can prepare and submit planning applications on behalf of the client, ensuring that all necessary documentation, reports, and assessments are provided. We can also engage in discussions with local planning authorities, addressing any concerns or issues that may arise during the application proces Environmental Impact Assessments: If required, we can coordinate and manage environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for the student accommodation project. We can work with environmental consultants to evaluate potential environmental impacts and develop strategies to mitigate or minimize these impacts. Highways and Access Guidance: We bring expertise and experience in navigating the complex planning process and the requirements of highways engineers. We can provide guidance and advice throughout the various stages of the project, helping to ensure compliance, manage risks, and optimize the chances of a successful outcome. In terms of Architetcural Services we have an in house design service that can produce all pland required for y9our schem form floorplans, digital mapping, full eleavtions and architetcural visualisation where required. For Building Regulations ee can provide the neccessary technicla build detail for any new build or conversion. Engaging En-Plan early in the process can provide valuable insights and support for a student accommodation project.

 

Case Study of a successful student accommodation projetc : 66 Cauldon Road, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2ED - Application Reference: 62232/FUL

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Following the initial discussion wit the applicant a singlen storey rear extension  as agreed on whereby to allow for an adsditonal bedroom as part of the property development. The proposal was submitted to Stoke City Council who processed the application in a speedy manner. There have been no concerns raised from the neighbours notified and as such, the proposal is considered to be acceptable in terms of design, amenity and highway safety and would deliver sustainable development in accordance with the NPPF. Given the above, the application is recommended for approval subject to the conditions set out  below.

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Alterations and extensions to dwellings are most commonly carried out by individual householders. Regulations set out criteria for determining whether alterations and extensions require planning permission or whether they are deemed to be ‘permitted development’.
 

The application was considered in line with guidance which refers to extensions which will have an influence on the urban design quality and character of the area, that is a potential influence upon the street scene. These are generally side or front extensions. 

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Simple and extremely effective is how we would sum up this extension.

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Case Study: Extensions to Student Proeprties at 16 & 17 Britannia Street, Coventry.

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​Following on from the submission of two applications on the two adjoining properties of 16 and 17 Britannia Street Coventry City Council visited the application site which is located in the heart of the student accommodation quarter in Coventry.

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The proposals both sought planning permission for a single storey rear extension that will add another bedroom to both of these student lets.  The proposal by virtue of them being adjacent will ensure the cost is kept down as the cost of the party wall can be split between the two owners. En-Plan utilised the Prior Approval Larger Home Extension scheme to obtain permission for both extensions

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Article 4 Direction Update for Coventry 

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On 6 September 2022, the Coventry City Council voted to consult on an Article 4 designation to remove the permitted development right to change the use of a C3 property (“dwellinghouse”) to a C4 property (“house in multiple occupation”) within certain wards of the city. If the proposed designation is approved, it should come into effect on 13 September 2023. Any person wishing to convert a residential house into an HMO within the affected wards will first need to make a change of use planning application, even if the HMO will have fewer than seven tenants. Properties that are already in lawful use as HMOs with fewer than seven tenants will not need to make a planning application, though the landlord may wish to consider applying for a Lawful Development Certificate. If the Article 4 designation is implemented, this will have no bearing on existing HMO licences, or on future HMO licences for properties that were HMOs prior to the designation. However, if we determine that a property is operating as an HMO without the benefit of the correct planning permission, we will only issue a one-year licence for that property, and will include a condition requiring that the correct permission is sought. Please note that this is not a guarantee that planning permission will be granted. In addition, where a property is found to be operating without the correct planning permission, the Planning Enforcement team may take legal action against the owner.

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Further Information

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If you would lie to see how our Planning Consultancy and Archietcural Design Services can deliver you the change of use reqired to enable a student development or how our kn owledge of loft conversions and house extensions can add that additional bedroom to your student property please do not hesitate to contact us and we will gladly discuss the options with you.