Developers withdraw application for Lincoln student cabins village

Developers have withdrawn proposals for 190 student cabins in the centre of Lincoln due to complications in the planning process.

As previously reported, Jackson & Jackson Developments worked with the University of Lincoln on the Poplar Gardens proposal, which would have seen cabins installed behind the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park until September 2025.

NHS England and the Environment Agency were among a host of organisations to oppose the plans for student accommodation on the land north of Beevor Street for reasons including pressure on health services and potential flood risk.

Developers said the delay in proceedings left them feeling there was ‘no option, but to withdraw’ their application, although other options will be explored in the near future.

Plans for for 190 two-bed student apartments on Beevor Street. Photo: Stem Architects Ltd

Plans for the new cabin-style student accommodation. Photo: Stem Architects Ltd

Dominik Jackson from Jackson & Jackson Developments told The Lincolnite: “The planning process was getting very complicated with the various consultees, which made the timeframe to deliver the project practically impossible, so we decided to withdraw it.”

He added: “It’s a shame for the scheme, but we are looking forward to exploring opportunities on what is a considerable piece of inner city land in the near future.”

Proposal Objections

• NHS England believed the plans would cause an increase in the patient population by 380 and place extra pressure on existing provisions.
• The Environment Agency recommended that planning permission was refused “due to the flood risk assessment (FRA) not demonstrating adequate flood risk mitigation”.
• The Upper Witham Drainge Board objected in principle to any development in flood plain zones and stated “further investigation should be carried out to determine the existing drainage routes and whether they are suitable”.
• Network Rail had no objection in principle, but couldn’t support the original proposals as the cabins would be partly located on an area of land still in the its ownership
• Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue were among others to also oppose the plans.

University exploring future options

A University of Lincoln spokesperson said: “The University of Lincoln goes from strength to strength and applications are continuing to increase year on year.

“We consistently focus on ways that we can enhance the student experience including through the creation of new facilities.

“We are exploring various options to meet expected growth in demand for student accommodation in the city this year and in the future, including the additional medical school places from 2019.

“We continue to guarantee an offer of a place in University approved accommodation for all students who make us their first choice on UCAS by June 30.”