Landmark student village receives green light

Plans from Staffordshire University for a student village of more than 700 residences have been green lit.The university sought permission for a development on land off Lordship Lane, Stoke-on-Trent.The proposals comprise the construction of 715 student residences on the south side of the river, as well as the demolition of the existing accommodation (734 units) on the Leek Road Campus.The existing Clarice Cliff Court, which currently provides 297 student units, will be refurbished internally and externally, providing a total of 298 residences.A hub is also proposed as part of the student village, providing educational, social and support space for students. This would include an events space and market hall, student wellbeing space, flexible use space and an outdoor seating area.”Staffordshire University Student Village presents an exciting opportunity to create a new student community that blends contemporary sustainable architecture with nature in a unique natural setting,” a statement lodged on behalf of the applicant said.A report for the committee said: “The scheme would see existing dated and inefficient housing which is nearing the end of its economical life removed from an area of highest flood risk, and replaced with well designed, modern, energy efficient accommodation on land least at risk of flooding.”