Student and NHS worker accommodation set for approval

Plans for the demolition of a 1960s commercial building on the North Yorkshire coast and construction of a new mixed-use development providing accommodation for students and NHS workers are recommended for approval later this week (9 December 2021).Buccleuch Property (Scarborough) Ltd, supported by WSP and Corstorphine + Wright, submitted an application to Scarborough Borough Council last year for the redevelopment of the former Argos building on Newborough.Planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing building and construction of a part-four, part-five storey mixed use development featuring commercial units and residential accommodation.A total of 202 bedrooms would be provided, with 152 for students at Coventry University’s Scarborough campus and 50 for key workers and students from Scarborough General Hospital. New ‘social’ space, cycling parking and access for the student accommodation from Newborough will also be created.A trio of commercial units are proposed for the ground floor measuring a total of 8,159 sq ft.The proposals have been revised since the original submission, including changes to the elevations of the planned building. The revised design has also been developed in conjunction with plans for St Helen’s Square.The application will be considered by the Council’s planning committee on 9 December and are recommended for approval, subject to conditions and the signing of a legal agreement, in an officer’s report prepared for the meeting.The St Helen’s Square plans, including the demolition of a number of buildings to form a public square, are also recommended for approval at the meeting.The Shakespeare Public House would be retained and remodelled under these plans.Officers said this scheme would “bring significant public benefits to the town centre”.