15-storey student scheme set for green light

Plans for a 15-storey student accommodation scheme on a vacant site in central Manchester have been recommended for approval.Manchester-based developer Jadebricks is behind the purpose-built student accommodation development at a site on Charles Street within the Oxford Road Corridor.Designed by SimpsonHaugh, the proposals for the brownfield site include 107 studio bedrooms.Turley is providing planning, strategic communications, economics, EIA and heritage and townscape services for the development. The scheme has been designed to meet BREEAM Excellent and promote the health and wellbeing of student residents.The scheme has attracted 16 objections including two from local businesses which adjoin the site.According to a report to be scrutinised by Manchester Council’s planning committee the proposal would redevelop a vacant, low quality site and add £4.9m GVA to the economy while creating temporary and full time equivalent jobsThe report adds that careful consideration has been given to the impacts on local businesses and any mitigation that needs to be in place to facilitate business continuity.Planning officers have provided a minded to approve recommendation, subject to a S106 to secure affordable student housing and commercial waste disposal.Alongside Turley and SimpsonHaugh, the project team includes DP Squared, Caldwell, OFR, Hann Tucker Associates, Gardiner and Theobald, Curtins, Our Studio, GIA and E3P.