Triple boost for Woodhouse as student flats plans are thrown out

12.00.00pm GMT Thu 30th Nov 2006

News that the council has refused three separate planning applications for student flats in Woodhouse has delighted local councillor Kabeer Hussain. Large scale projects on the site of Perseverance Mill (Chancellor Street) and Shay Street were thrown out by the council's Plans Panel West today (30/11/06), whilst a smaller application at Delph Court was dismissed last week.

Both the Perseverance Mill and Shay Street applications would have a major impact on the Woodhouse area. Combined, they would have provided some 722 student bed spaces. Both applications triggered a strong outcry from the local community due to their size and scope. Councillor Hussain has publicly opposed both applications and has watched developments closely.

Councillor Kabeer Hussain (Lib Dem, Hyde Park & Woodhouse) said, "Today has been a real tonic for those people who have opposed the building of mass student digs in the Woodhouse area. People have come up to me in the past and claimed that it's inevitable that the developers will get their way. Well today proves that this isn't always the case."

Councillor Kabeer Hussain added, "I hope developers will take note of today's ruling and perhaps rethink their ideas of what people in Woodhouse want. Both applications are prime examples of developer-led proposals, which ignore their surroundings and the interests of local residents. UNIPOL tell us that there is no need for yet more purpose built student flats. This is an area which urgently needs family-friendly housing, including social housing. Perhaps now developers will listen."