Instructed by Summix Capital Ltd, AGM were tasked with securing the demolition of the former Plumb Centre and Genesis Lifestyle Centre for the erection of a three-storey mixed use building, comprising Light Industrial and Assembly and Leisure Uses, as well as 52 no. student studios and 28 no. student ensuite rooms in cluster flats.
AGM worked hard, within the constraints of the site, to get to a position where BANES could consent the application but stumbling blocks, predominantly based upon interpretation, meant the proposal was put forward for refusal by the Planning Officer and was refused at Committee.
AGM was successful at Appeal and the decision was overturned.
The Appeal stated, “the scheme would regenerate a part of the Enterprise Zone and provide off-campus student accommodation; would comply with the Development Plan and also reasonably accord with National Policy and guidance when taken as a whole”.
A second application, specifically tailored to overcome BANES objections, was run in parallel to negate the need to go to Appeal. This was of a smaller footprint, enhanced ecological gains, more parking spaces, the retention of the local community hub/gym and changed the student accommodation from studio and cluster units to all cluster.
With the Appeal allowed there were no grounds to refuse the second application, and this was subsequently consented at Committee.
