Nottingham City Council has recommended plans for a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project at 2 Queens Road ahead of a planning meeting where a final decision will be made.
The development, proposed by CMPG on behalf of Zen Nottingham Limited, includes the demolition of a vacant two-story building and the construction of a modern, multi-story student residence.
The approved project spans approximately 945 square meters, forming part of a larger site allocation SR65 within the Land and Planning Policies (LAPP) framework. This area, which also includes Crocus Place and other nearby developments, is part of Nottingham’s ongoing Canal Quarter regeneration efforts.
The new development will consist of two main building elements: a 9-storey structure adjacent to the NET tram bridge and a 6-storey section next to 1 Arkwright Street. The 9-storey segment will feature a grey/brown brick façade, while the 6-storey portion will be constructed using red brick, designed to blend with the surrounding architecture. Stone detailing at the base of the 9-storey building aims to enhance the building’s presence along Queens Road.
The accommodation will comprise 31 studios and 50 cluster beds, organized into 10 five-bed flats. Each studio will range in size from 18.5 to 23.3 square meters, while the cluster bedrooms will vary between 12.5 and 17.3 square meters, offering a communal living space of approximately 21.8 square meters per flat. Additional communal areas, including a laundry room and a roof terrace, will enhance the living experience for the building’s residents, the report says.
Financial Contributions
As part of the planning approval, Zen Nottingham Limited has agreed to several financial obligations, which include:
Affordable Housing Contribution: £176,018 in lieu of on-site affordable housing provision.
Public Open Space/Realm Enhancement: £106,460 allocated towards off-site improvements.
Local Employment and Training: £22,595 to support local employment and training opportunities.
In addition to these financial commitments, the project includes a Student Management Scheme designed to mitigate potential noise, manage refuse, and enforce restrictions on car usage by residents.
Heritage and Environmental Considerations
The site is located within the Station Conservation Area, and the council’s decision took into account the proximity to several heritage assets, including the Grade II* listed Nottingham Train Station.
The design of the new building has been assessed to ensure it does not negatively impact the views or setting of these historic structures. The development is also situated within Flood Zone 2, necessitating a robust flood risk assessment and the inclusion of flood resilience measures in the building’s design.
Despite some concerns raised by the Environment Agency regarding the culverted section of the Tinkers Leen waterway, the council determined that un-culverting the waterway was not feasible given the site constraints. However, the project will include landscaping and biodiversity enhancements along the open section of the Tinkers Leen.
During the consultation process, the council received feedback from neighbouring residents and businesses, as well as key stakeholders such as the University of Nottingham and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The university initially expressed concerns about the lack of cluster flats in the original proposal, which have since been addressed in the revised plans.
The HSE also reviewed the project, specifically regarding fire safety, and has given its approval following revisions to the Fire Safety Report.
A meeting to decide will be held on 21 August.
