Planners views sought on proposals to turn empty city offices into student accommodation

The pre-application request is aimed at finding out whether planners are likely to support proposals ahead of a formal planning application being submitted.

The building currently houses 19 separate offices of various sizes over four floors, but all of which are currently empty.

Planning documents say that despite advertising the office space for rent or sale over a number of years, the current owners have not had any interest.

A shift to home working after the pandemic, along with high energy costs and the cost of living is making offices such as these unsustainable for the small business owner, it is claimed.

The owners are said to now be loosing money on the vacant property and are looking for a sustainable alternative use to regenerate the building.

Property consultants have identified a continued demand for student accommodation in the city centre, and have recommended the conversion of the building to include 12 student bedrooms and ancillary facilities.

The ground floor is proposed to house a gym, communal lounge, games area, toilet and shower facilities.

Each of the three self-contained floors above would provide four bedrooms, a communal kitchen and dining area and two shower rooms.

Minimal internal alterations are said to be needed to facilitate the proposed use.

No parking onsite is proposed, however the building is close to St David’s multi-storey car park and is considered to be in a sustainable location for public transport.

Planners will now consider the proposals, prior to any formal submission being made.

(Lead image: Google Maps)