12-storey student building set for green light

Plans to demolish a Southampton office building to pave the way for a new multimillion-pound student housing scheme look set to be given the go-ahead on the week of 6 May.Developer Orchard Homes is seeking permission to demolish 14 Cumberland Place and replace the five-storey office block with a 12-storey building to house almost 200 students.The development would also include associated parking and facilities on the ground floor, including a gym, reception, study areas and a cinema.The proposals are due to be discussed by Southampton City Council planning chiefs on 7 June.In council documents published prior to the meeting, planning officers said the scale and form of the scheme is “considered to be acceptable”, adding that there is demand for additional purpose-built student accommodation in Southampton.The proposed development has been recommended for approval subject to a legal agreement and conditions.