July 19, 2012 9.25 am This story is over 139 months old

Controversial care home plans approved

Approved: Plans for turn an empty care home into student accommodation, which was met with objections, was approved by the council.

Plans to transform Park View care home into student accommodation have been approved, despite numerous objections from locals.

As previously reported, a developer submitted plans to the City of Lincoln Council to turn the vacant St Boltoph’s Crescent care home into five student flats.

The property will get new kitchens, LED lighting, carpets and broadband to the property, with large living rooms areas and TVs in each bedroom.

Of the 53 rooms, based in three flats downstairs and two upstairs, nine will have an en-suite.

The outside of the building will remain unchanged, with only bicycle racks and possibly extra parking added to help with traffic.

The University of Lincoln back the project, and are intending to use the new flats for its growing number of nursing students.

However, the majority of local residents objected to the plans, feeling that the new use could lead to more traffic problems on the narrow street.

Many also disagree with the intended use of the building, with concerns it will add noise to the area.

County Councillor for Boultham ward Kevin Clarke attended the meeting, and argued some of the residents were not fully consulted over the plans.

However, Michael Ball, who overlooks residential services for the University of Lincoln, stressed that the university would be happy to make extra arrangements for parking, such as a permit for the flats, and also manage the property closely to stop any antisocial behaviour.

He also offered residents a direct point of contact for the university to residents should they have queries or complaints.

The Planning Committee approved the plans, subject to conditions, six in favour and four against.

The conditions are:

  • Standard year and plans conditions
  • Maintenance of landscaped areas
  • Tree protection measures
  • Samples of external materials
  • Operation in accordance with the management policy Travel Plan
  • Car park in accordance with submitted block plan