This 20-storey student tower will be the latest addition to Coventry's skyline

[dutchman]

Planning bosses approve scheme dubbed 'grey and unimaginative' on derelict site close to ring road



A 20-storey student accommodation tower block will be the latest addition to Coventry’s skyline after planning bosses approved the scheme.

The three, seven, ten and 20-storey development dubbed “grey and unimaginative” by objectors will transform a derelict site in Friars Road at the junction with St Patricks Road, close to the ring road.

Coventry City Council's planning committee met today to grant permission subject to conditions with six votes in favour, and three against.

That was despite objections the building, at 63 metres tall at its heighest, will be too tall and block one of the views of the city’s famous three spires.

The scheme was put forward by Manchester-based Crosslane Student Developments and is its first in the city.

The building will provide 583 student rooms and will consist of a mix of gloss metallic and matt metallic panels and aluminium frame glazing above a red brick base, though no parking will be provided.

A petition was drawn up with 59 signatories against the proposal.

They criticised its size - claiming it would be the tallest in the city - and said its design was “grey and unimaginative”.

In fact it would be the joint tallest until the 21-storey Fairfax Street development is built.

Cllr Gary Crookes (Con, Wainbody) said: “I’m concerned that we can demand the three spires view from the north of the city but not the south west.”

But he added: “It is a modern, striking scheme. I think it looks great. I just think it’s in the wrong position.”

The officers’ report to the council’s planning committee states that a ‘view analysis’ of the three spires had been undertaken from surrounding areas and that the proposed development would “not affect any long vistas of the spires from main thoroughfares into the city”.

The report went on to say: “The proposal will transform a derelict site that has stood empty for some nine years into a truly landmark building.”

Cllr Keiran Mulhall (Lab, Radford) said: “We do as a city have to move on. We get students from all over the world. I don’t believe this to be over-development.”

Crosslane Group previously revealed its interest in Coventry was due to the fact Coventry University is currently the fastest growing university in the UK by student enrolment.

Speaking outside the meeting Mike Moran, development manager at Crosslane Student Develoments said: “Crosslane is delighted that the committee members have gone with the officer’s recommendation.”

Other student skycrapers currently being built in the city include Belgrade Plaza, Bishopgate and Hales Street.

A 21-storey development is planned for Fairfax Street.

[rebbonk]

Totally out of keeping.

[Melisandre]

Ugly per usual looks like an ugly massive brick wall and agree with Rebbonk.