Planning committee to consider 500-room student blocks on Lincoln marina

Outline plans for a major student accommodation development on the Brayford Marina will go before the City of Lincoln Council planning committee next week.

The application would see 500 bedspaces created as part of the University of Lincoln’s plans for continued expansion and cater for growing student demand.

Two 11-storey buildings and one four-storey building would be erected either side of the Brayford flyover, including 220 square metres of floor space for potential retail use.

Short range views of the blocks provided in the application.

A cluster of 49 flats are proposed for the buildings of between 10 and 12 bedrooms.

A current building on the waterfront used by the Brayford Trust and marina user would be demolished, but facilities will provided within one of the new blocks including a shower and toilets.

A number of parking spaces currently on the site would be lost as a result of the development.

Designs for the new blocks of flats.

The planning report was put together by Globe Consultants on behalf of the university.

A University of Lincoln spokesperson said previously: “We have worked closely with the local planning authority and other stakeholders to shape the proposal, which will contribute to the continued revival of the Brayford Pool while ensuring Cathedral views are protected.

“This is direct investment by the university and forms part of our Brayford Campus Masterplan granted outline planning permission in 2012.”

The sites outlined for the new building from above.

In response to a consultation which was undertaken by the applicants, a number of objections were lodged, relating to issues such as the visual impact of the buildings.

One objection came from the Lincoln Civic Trust, who did not agree with the height of blocks ‘A’ and ‘C’, as it would be ‘out-of-keeping with the surroundings’ and ‘destroy views’.

A resident also submitted an objection, writing: “Why spoil the exciting, wide city view which opens up dramatically on the Brayford flyover? These wide-sweeping views of our historic city are what makes Lincoln unique.”

The report summarised: “It is considered that the proposals would preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the adjacent conservation area and setting of the historic hillside, including Cathedral and Castle.”

Officers have advised that there “would not be significant grounds to refuse the application.”

The application will be considered at a meeting on Wednesday, January 13.