Step forward for student project on industrial site

Revised plans for a major student accommodation scheme on an industrial site occupied by a forging and machined parts manufacturer in Coventry has moved forward.SAMA Investments Ltd brought forward fresh proposals to redevelop a site at Charterhouse Road.The existing industrial building is occupied by Mills Forgings Ltd, part of Kimber Mills International, which is in the process of consolidating its UK operations to a single site at Kimber Drop Forging Ltd, Gawne Lane Works.Permission was sought to demolish the current structures to make way for a part four, part six-storey student living facility.A previous application was submitted by SAMA in April 2021 for a purpose-built student accommodation development.The resubmission has “sought to directly address the reasons of refusal through an amended design and reduced quantum of development”.This has led to a direct reduction in the number of bedrooms from 158 to 130, an increase in the provision of useable internal and external amenity space, as well as improved provision of car parking.A statement filed with Coventry City Council on behalf of the applicant said: “It has been concluded that there are no adverse impacts that would significantly or demonstrably outweigh the benefits arising from the proposal.”Furthermore, the proposals have been demonstrated to be wholly in accordance with the policies of the adopted Development Plan and have fully addressed the concerns raised in respect of the previous application.”The council’s planning committee considered the application on 5 October.A report for the committee said: “The proposed development is considered to be acceptable in principle and will not result in any significant impact upon neighbour amenity, highway safety, ecology or infrastructure, subject to relevant conditions and contributions.”Members voted to delegate the grant of planning permission to the strategic lead for planning, subject to conditions.