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Students’ reputation for drinking and noisy parties is a “misconception,” Western Isles planning councillors will be told as they debate a controversial proposal for a block of student flats in Stornoway.

 

Planning officials recommend refusal of Lews Castle College UHI’s application for a four-storey block of 45 rooms on the site of the former bakery at Stag Road, Bayhead, mainly due to its design, scale, form and large size for the neighbouring conservation area.

 

The scheme is “fundamental” for the expansion of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), insists the developer.

 

 

The flats are part of the university’s £44 million agreement with specialist student residences developer Cityheart to build and operate student residences across the Highlands and Islands.

 

Mark McNamee, managing director of Cityheart, addressed concerns over noise and disruption, saying students are “better behaved now” than ever before as that are “paying more and more” for their course thus have less cash to “spend on alcohol” while being “much more conscientious about studying.”

 

They also have respect for modern, clean, comfortable surroundings while “if in a shanty, they won’t care for it.”

 

Throwing students off their course if they cause a disturbance is a real “ultimate sanction.”

 

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 could help sort out any problems, he indicated.

 

Another advantage is the student halls would be used as extra tourism accommodation.

 

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.

 

Mr McNamee concluded: “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.

 

Some 11 people have lodged objections over inappropriate design, the scale and mass of the building, the lack of parking, effect on neighbouring amenity problems during the construction phase and the potential for nuisance from students.

 

Many back the idea of having university accommodation within the town but feel the specific modern design is too controversial and overwhelms the traditional street.

 

One objector maintained it is “inappropriate and out of character with the surrounding area,” while another claimed it is the “antithesis” of the council’s own design aspirations.

 

Developer sets out to allay fears over students' flats  

 

7 June 2016