Plans to convert empty offices in Lancaster city centre into 30 student flats have been given the green light.
The upper floors of 3-12 Gage Street in the city centre will be redeveloped. Shop units below will be retained, says the applicant.
The scheme will see a conversion of the first, second and third floors of existing commercial building into 30 student studios including dormer extensions, a third floor extension and alterations to the roof and erection of a bin store to the rear, alterations to windows/external finishes and construction of a new entrance.
Recently, Leanne Bisset from Hester's Haberdashery, a business located in the building, told Beyond Radio that she had been issued a notice to vacate.
She announced their final day of trading would be May 24 and she would be looking for a new home for the business.
Related story: "Devastated" : Lancaster wool shop to close as student flats plan looks set for green light
The plans were approved at a meeting of the Lancaster City Council planning regulatory committee on Monday.
David Hester of Hester’s Habadashery spoke against the application.
Aqeela Bhikha of Afar Properties Ltd responded in favour of the application.
Councillors then voted on whether to grant planning permission, with nine voting in favour of the proposal with two against and two abstentions.
The plans were submitted on behalf of the applicant 47-51 North Road Limited, by Thomas Zub of Zub Architecture, with the scheme to be managed by Unipad Management Limited.
A council report, considered at Monday's meeting, said 77 public comments had been received in response to the planning application, 76 of which raised objections.
Objections included the loss of Hester’s Haberdashery, calling it "an essential business that many would struggle without."
Other objections said there is "not enough housing for local families and more social housing is needed" and that "Lancaster is already saturated with purpose-built student housing, and this development would exacerbate the existing problems facing our community".
The council report said: "One item has been received in support of the application from the applicant seeking to address some of the concerns raised:
"The proposed development will retain two large commercial units on the ground floor, ensuring that retail and business activity continues in the area. Additionally, the now-vacant former pharmacy unit is subject to a separate application to be divided into two units, which will increase commercial opportunities and provide Hester's with a potential alternative location should they choose to relocate.
"The provision of high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation in the city centre offers multiple benefits - reduces pressure on traditional housing stock; by providing dedicated student accommodation, the proposal will help free up HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) and traditional family homes, making more housing available to local residents; enhances the vitality of the city centre - students bring economic and social benefits, supporting local businesses, cafes, and services, particularly in an area that has seen increased retail challenges; investment in a neglected site - the application site is currently in a severely dilapidated condition.
"This proposal will bring much-needed investment, preserving and enhancing the historic character of the Dalton Square Conservation Area through subtle and timeless external improvements.
"Contrary to some claims, student numbers in Lancaster remain stable, and demand for high quality, well-located accommodation persists.
"Even if overall student numbers were to decline in the future, the need for purpose-built student housing remains critical to reducing the reliance on traditional residential properties in suburban areas.
"This proposal presents a balanced and forward-thinking approach to the sustainable development of Lancaster's city centre, ensuring continued commercial viability while addressing the housing needs of both students and local residents."
The Lancaster City Council report, published with the meeting agenda, also says: "Subsequent to the comments made by the applicant, further comments have been received from a representative of Hester's Haberdashery who advises that possibility of the relocation of their business into any space within the now vacant old pharmacy unit has not been put to them."
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