Western Isles planning councillors have refused planning permission for a controversial proposed block of student flats in Stornoway.
They rejected Lews Castle College UHI’s bid to squeeze a new-
The 43 bedrooms would be used as extra tourism accommodation in the summer, said the developer.
Councillors concurred with planning officials that the design, scale, form and large
size of the four-
Island planners vote over student accommodation proposal
7 June 2016
Mark McNamee, managing director of specialist student residences developer, Cityheart, sought to allay planners’ “fears and concern” over the application.
Mr McNamee said the issue of excess noise would be dealt with by an overhanging threat to throw students off their course if they cause a disturbance.
Students would be “actively discouraged” from parking cars on site by a condition in their tenancy agreement, said Mr McNamee.
Setting up a liaison committee between the college and residents would sort out any problems, he indicated.
With a summer 2017 deadline, the Stag Road site is the only place available in the town to allow construction to be completed in time, he stressed.
The Stornoway college plays an important part UHI’s strategy to recruit over 600 students from outside the region, which in turn will boost the local economy with students spending in shops and restaurants as will as their families coming to visit.
Mr McNamee pointed out: “To take advantage of this opportunity for growth, Stornoway needs to provide student accommodation or risk being at a competitive disadvantage in a growing market place.