Plans to partially demolish a Loughborough shopping centre as part of a major student accommodation redevelopment are set to be debated amid fears the site could remain a ‘barren wasteland’.
Charnwood Borough Council’s Plans Committee will meet on Thursday, 14 May, to consider an application to demolish several vacant units within Carillon Court.
The application, submitted by Leicester Commercial Ltd – or Code Student Accommodation – is the latest step in ambitions to provide hundreds of new student beds.
The developer wants to carry out demolition work before finalising replacement plans in case archaeological issues require changes.
However, concerns have emerged about the current condition of the wider shopping precinct and the lack of certainty over what happens after demolition.
The site, bought by the developer in 2021, has become increasingly vacant in recent years.
Several previous demolition applications have been refused by council officers, who say there was insufficient detail on how demolition would affect Tyler’s Department Store, which is attached to the building.
Councillor Rhys Cory-Lowsley (Labour) called in the application for extra scrutiny, citing the significant public interest in the future of Carillon Court.
He said: “Since Covid, the high street has been struggling and, for the last year or two, the site has been completely derelict and deserted.
“There was a big problem recently where lots of homeless people were setting up camp inside, tying the doors shut and taking drugs.
“The car park has all been totally left to rot. The lift doesn’t work and it’s completely pitch black in there.
“So it’s a bit of an eyesore and it does need redeveloping.
“But I’m very concerned, and it is a very real possibility that they’re going to pull this huge shopping centre down and we’ll be left with a barren wasteland in the centre of town for who knows how long.”
Tyler’s Department Store, which remains open and relies on access through Carillon Court, has been in discussions with the developer throughout the process.
The family-run business has previously questioned the impact the boarded-up entrances could have on footfall and accessibility for disabled customers.
Concerns that the deteriorating condition of the precinct could place additional pressure on the remaining business have also been raised. However, due to ongoing legal discussions with the developer, Tyler’s declined to comment on this.
Steve Tyler, one of the store’s directors, said: “We have been through a Great Depression, a Second World War, and multiple economic shocks. I can personally remember three-day weeks through the 1970s, the 80s and the 90s recessions, and we weathered them all.
“We change our business accordingly and have done, and will continue to do so. There are always peaks and falls in any economic situation, and I’m sure eventually, once this one has passed, we shall thrive again.”
He praised council officers for “following the letter of the law” but expressed concern that elected leaders appeared supportive of the redevelopment direction.
The proposals come amid growing debate in Loughborough over the amount of new student accommodation.
Residents have repeatedly voiced concerns about the number of projects being approved and the long-term impact on the character and economy of the town centre.
Cllr Cory-Lowsley said residents were “really angry” about the situation.
He said: “Some don’t think there’s a need and feel like it’s harming the town, like it’s becoming a part-time hotel with lots of empty rooms.”
But the developer argues this scheme, which would also involve bulldozing more than 340 parking spaces, could actually benefit Loughborough’s residents.
Jamie Lewis, managing director, said: “To go and put several hundred sets of eyes and bodies in the town centre, rather than living in terraced houses next to young families, has got to be a better way to house the student population.
“And it will bring life back to the town centre.”
Mr Lewis added the front entrance near Tyler’s had been boarded up to improve security after repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour and theft, including brass handrails being stolen.
He also confirmed the company had received support from elected members but had struggled more to get the backing of planning officers.
The final decision will be made on 14 May, with councillors able to grant planning permission, suggest conditions, or reject the plans entirely again.
