ARTS University Bournemouth is planning to build a six-storey block of student flats in a town centre car park.

The institution’s proposal would provide rooms for 240 students on the existing Madeira Road surface pay and display car park.

The scheme follows in the footsteps of the four new student blocks on the opposite plot.

Planning permission was granted for a residential development in 2014.

And planning consultant Ken Parke states in his client's application that the main difference between the plans is that it will be for students.

This means that there is no requirement to provide any parking provision.

“There is no question that the site is in a highly sustainable location and indeed a location already found to be suitable and sustainable for student accommodation,” said Mr Parke.

“The opportunity for large scale student accommodation does not present on any sites closer to the university and the scale of such development is likely to be unacceptable in any event within the more suburban areas.

“The site in Madeira Road is a few minutes walking distance from Lansdowne Road and a principal bus stop with frequent services directly to the university.”

He added that the decision to provide no parking was a design choice and students are discouraged by the institution from using cars.

“It is an accepted principle and indeed policy approach that student accommodation in the forms of halls of residence should not provide any car parking for residents,” he said

The area is predominantly used by businesses and Mr Parke said the new student accommodation would have no effect on residential amenities.

“It is acknowledged that there are residential properties immediately adjoining the application site,” he said.

“Nearby residents will not be affected by direct noise from the comings and goings of residents into the student block.

“Due to the nature of the accommodation the only noise that would be generated is that from people leaving or attending the complex and walking by the residential properties while making noise.

“Such noise would simply be verbal. It is not anticipated that the residential use of the building will result in noise to the extent to result in harm. However, to ensure that this is the case the applicants will sign up to a management plan.”

For full details, search for application 7-2016-14107-Y at planning.bournemouth.gov.uk