We have been supporting an award winning student accommodation provider, providing advice on their property portfolio. Our client develops and offers high-quality student accommodation with a focus on well-being. Their philosophy is to create an unforgettable student experience through inspiring living environments, where students are safe, comfortable and at ease.
Despite the fantastic student accommodation offer, the recent challenges brought about principally by the pandemic, the impact of which is still being felt across the sector, means that introducing flexibility in the way in which the accommodation can be used is important. Furthermore, student halls are generally only let for 40 weeks of the year leaving them vacant for 12 weeks.
The benefits of flexible use in planning
We have been advising our client on how to make best use of these under used rooms, helping them to diversify and attract a wider tenant pool, whilst also underpinning the long term viability of their core business. Key to this is ensuring that the occupation of rooms by non-students is compatible with the primary use – occupation by students.
Our recent planning approvals in both Sheffield and Newcastle sought temporary flexible uses, enabling some of the rooms to function as student accommodation or as serviced apartments. How to practically offer this has been carefully considered – ensuring that primary access remains open to students, but that if after the application window closes, the units remain empty then specific areas can be let as serviced apartments, provided they are kept separate from those rooms rented as student accommodation.
This is a sensible and pragmatic solution, supporting the PBSA sector and future proofing the student accommodation offer, and we have enjoyed working with both the Sheffield and Newcastle LPAs on these projects. It is positive to see that through securing planning permission for flexible uses, high quality accommodation in such central and desirable locations is being put to full use, rather than sitting vacant.
You can read more about the benefits of flexible use permissions .
Planning support for the PBSA sector
We are experienced in finding solutions for PBSA providers, helping them to make maximum use of buildings across campuses all year round. You can read more about our experience in this field .
About us
We are Plainview Planning – a solutions orientated, experienced and knowledgeable team of planning consultants. If you need professional and informed planning support with your development project, then contact our team via enquiries@plainview.co.uk, to see how we can best assist you, providing the site address and a brief overview of your project. You can also submit your site via our Landmark Page. We value your privacy and any information which you provide will not be shared outside of our company and will only be used in relation to your enquiry.