Fight to cut size of 552-bedroom student block being built on former Naafi site
NEIGHBOURS of a student flat development on the site of Plymouth's former Naafi building are preparing to fight for it to be scaled down.
Residents of the Berkeley Square apartment block, opposite the building in Notte Street, say the £21 million student flats will block out some of their sunlight and views, reducing the value of their properties.
But the University of Plymouth, which is behind the development, said it would reduce the height by one storey, down to seven storeys high.
If the plans are approved, the building should be complete in September 2012. It will house 552 student bedrooms in 63 flats and 83 studio rooms.
It will be bigger in size than the existing building — the Hoe Centre — and neighbours believe it will encroach upon their views.
They are calling on Plymouth City Council to use its powers to make the university scale it down further so it keeps the same dimensions as the existing centre.
Former Plymouth Argyle chief executive John McNulty, who lives in Berkeley Square, said he wants the council to make it smaller during the planning stages.
He said: "It will be bigger than the Hoe Centre and will block out views and sunlight at times — and that affects property values.
"When it is built, it will be a monster. A totally unacceptable building at the gateway to the Hoe.
"But if it is scaled down to the size of the Hoe Centre then its neighbours will be happier."
The council is aiming to bring the plans to the committee stage by October 8.
Demolition of the centre has been taking place over the past few weeks but the outer parts of the building are still intact. The contractors said it is on target to be down by the end of October.
There have been protests against the demolition due to what some say is the loss of an architecturally important structure to the city. But now the opposition has shifted to fighting against the flats.
Mr McNulty spoke on behalf of residents who have attended meetings in opposition to the plans.
He said: "The university has put Plymouth on the map but it needs to think of its neighbours here."
A university spokesman said that consultations had been carried out with all statutory parties, including residents. He said it has amended the plans and is reducing the height by one storey — and that 3-D models can be viewed at the end of next week.
Jenny Bushrod, head of procurement and sustainability, said: "We understand the concerns of residents, of course, but we are focused on ensuring this is a sustainable development and one which will be in keeping with the regeneration of the area.
"We have proactively changed the planning proposals to reduce the height of the building, and can confirm that this will be a car-free residence when it is open."
A Plymouth City Council spokesman said it couldn't comment on any planning application.
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by johnno, pennycomequick
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 12:30PM
“and many more lies As far as I can see the people of Plymouth have no say into what is happening to our city , Pengelly and her sheep give in to the unervercity every time they put a planning approval in
Its time that this council listened to the people that voted for them . that excludes me of course . I took note of all the broken promises in the previous elections .
Like we will not develop on Central Park , Plymstock will have a new swimming pool , we will not sell city bus , and many more lies”
by C, Plymouth
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 9:15PM
“Why wasn't this building made into flats for ex-servicemen/women who are way down Councils lists upon leaving the Military. The Council should have taken students accomodation into account before granting planning permission for the University. It would have made more sense to have built it outside the City with student accomodation 'on campus'”
by EGHD, ply
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 9:02PM
“What an eyesore this is going to look”
by mark, plymouth
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 7:38PM
“The majority of visitors would find it difficult to find the museum, seeing as it now stuck in the middle of student land.
Look at tourist information centre on the barbican - the marjority of vistors, must walk past the smoked glass windows and assume its some kind of sex shop or lap dance club.
Its funny the council can find £50,000 for the salary of head of one of these development companies and £50,000 for the red summer festival flags last year that were rags and threadbear within a week
but they can't find the funding to create some free attactions in and around the Hoe.
This is a prime site and the last thing it needs is another student block - it shows a complete lack of any vision.
Somebody in the council must be taking back handers from the University.
We need more sheltered accomodation for the elderly and more starter homes - Homes that won't be given to the serial single mums and the immigrants.
If they can waive the council tax for the students they can waive the council tax for first time buyers for a set period,
Take a look at the managment charges for some of the so called low cost flats at Millbay (thats if you can get the info from the estate agents in the first place) and you will quickly see unaffordable they actually are - somebody is making a huge profil.”
by Fathertime, Grantham
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 7:12PM
“Quote - "It will house 552 student bedrooms in 63 flats and 83 studio rooms." Plenty of scope there then for flogging them off at a profit. Is this a way of circumventing the planning rules.”
by somebodyelse, UK
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 6:54PM
“I really cannot understand how the councillors and people of Plymouth can allow this prime piece of real estate, in the heart of the city, to be used for a student residence.
Is this really the extent of the vision and aspirations of the council and can you really be surprised when people query the integrity of politicians? It certainly makes one wonder who got paid off this time.
Shame on you Plymouth councillors!
And no, you don't need a visitors centre!”
by Sharon, Plymouth
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 5:31PM
“The problem with the Dome as a Visitor Centre was it's position, and accessibility. The corner of Armada Way /Notte Street is level, within easy reach of all bus routes. Because of the level site, the access for disabled people will be much easier. The Dome, while possessing fantastic views had /has to be accessed by steps or a steep hill. It couldn't pay its way, whereas this particular site, nearly everyone passes when they visit our city. If this is not feasible, what about providing permanent homes that sit well with the environment, for single people, of all ages, or couples who need a small flat? This would be occupied year round, with the associated council tax, water rates, gas/electricity charges being paid. Instead, we are told that MORE student accommodation is needed, at a time when future student numbers are forecasted to fall. We need a more family orientated development on this site, to breathe life back into an area that many years ago was a family neighbourhood.”
by Brian, Ivybridge
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 3:47PM
“I am bemused by the many endless calls for visitor centres in Plymouth.
As soon as there is a proposal for a development scheme, there are always calls that it should not be a block of flats, student halls or even a manufacturing facility but clearly what Plymouth always needs is a museum or a visitor centre!
Err no. Who is going to pay for the construction and running costs for such a building? - oh that will be the Council taxpayer then! We have a perfectly good museum in Plymouth and as the demise of the Dome will testify, we only need the one.”
by ian, Plymouth
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 11:13AM
“It is about time that Plymouth City council questioned the need for yet more massive student accomodations. Surely by now there must be more than enough. Almost every major developement anounced recently has been for students. Yet the University is always moaning about cuts and funding what is really going on with this. It is time the Council said NO.”
by The Swedish Chef, Norway
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 9:46AM
“@ Martin, Mutley
Why are they silly flats?
Silly innit
Bork Bork Bork”