I've lived here for 44 years - now my street is turning into student centralA Coventry resident today hit out at “speculative developers” turning an area of the city into a “student suburb”.
Fed-up Frank Johnson, from Stoke , claimed that the area was being overrun with litter as once-residential homes have been transformed into multi-bed student accommodation.
Mr Johnson, who has lived in Knight Avenue for 44 years, will soon by sandwiched by student houses.
He today called on the council for action.
Mr Johnson said: “The area where I live has been transformed and houses are being converted into multi-occupancy dwellings for students.
“There’s a lack of family homes in the city and perfectly decent homes are being rapidly converted by exploitative landlords.”
This year, two planning applications have been granted on Knight Avenue on alone. One property will see the “erection of two-storey and single storey rear extension to create two flats for house in multiple occupation”.
The second is a large scale conversion of an existing garage area, which will see the “erection of 11 cluster flats (40 bedrooms) for students”.
For Mr Johnson, the impact is felt both locally, and across the city.
He said: “It’s a great shame, there’s an increase in litter and fly tipping.
“Students are moving out and leaving things behind and the landlords are just dumping it outside the properties.
“I’ve got nothing against students, but the student population is unsustainable. University applications fell this year, the bubble is going to burst.
“Coventry City (Council) are putting all of their eggs in one basket, which is a mistake.”