Harris Lamb has been successful at a Public Inquiry, having appealed Coventry City Council’s decision to reject proposals to demolish an industrial building and replace it with purpose-built student accommodation.

Acting on behalf of DR2H Limited, Harris Lamb’s Planning Consultancy appealed the decision to refuse the plans to demolish Brookside House in Burnsall Road, and to build student accommodation with landscaping and amenities at the site. 

The Inspector upheld the appeal, noting the site was in a sustainable location, and that the redundant building would be better replaced with much-needed accommodation to serve students at Warwick University.

Paul Barton, of Harris Lamb’s Planning Consultancy, said: “We are delighted with this outcome. The Planning Inspector took just 18 weeks to allow the development, in the light of additional evidence, and the scheme should be a real benefit to the City in terms of use and architecture.

“Our clients can now proceed with their plans to replace a tired industrial unit with no beneficial use, with a high-quality development to meet an identified need for further student accommodation in Coventry.”

The accommodation is proposed as a car-free development, an approach supported by the Council’s highway department, with the university campus, services and facilities being easily accessible by walking, cycling and bus. The development includes the provision of a minimum of 50 cycle spaces, a cycle hire docking station, and the potential to provide more spaces if required. 

Rishi Malhan, of DR2H, said: “We are pleased that our 196-bed premium all-studio PBSA scheme was recently granted planning permission through appeal. The asset is within minutes of Cannon Park shopping centre and University campus access via walk, and features over 200 sq m of amenity space, including a private gym, cinema, rooftop terrace and masterchef-style kitchen facilities.”