Student accommodation and café at Mill Hall, Moor Lane, Lancaster

“25/00133/FUL Partially retrospective application for the change of use of 96-bed into 62 one- bed self contained student accommodation units, erection of a three storey front extension linking the Mill and annexe, erection of a cafe to rear and demolition of part of enclosure wall. Castle Ward A”

“The proposal for the refurbishment and alteration of existing student accommodation to form higher standard studio student apartments is considered to be policy compliant in principle. The proposal aligns with the aims of the Canal Quarter Area, bringing regeneration to this important city centre site.”

“Importantly, through high-quality contemporary design, massing and materials are considered sympathetic to the Mills and surrounding area. The proposal would make a bold impact, but one that is considered to be neutral impact upon heritage assets, subject to planning conditions ensuring suitably high-quality details and samples.”

“The key considerations in the assessment of this application are:”

“Principle of development • Design, scale and streetscene impact upon heritage assets • Residential amenity and security • Energy efficiency, employment and skills • Transport, parking, waste and air quality • Ecology, contamination, drainage and impact upon the canal…”

“The following responses have been received from members of the public:”

“One Objection, due to growth in student housing development, and lack of local housing supply, additional student accommodation should be refused • Two Support, due to sustainable and well-considered development, improving functionality of the building and community connections, whilst providing a welcome shift prioritises quality over quantity.”

“That the application be approved subject to the conditions in the Committee Report.”

“Upon being put to the vote, 12 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with none against and no abstentions, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to have been carried.”

“That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:”

“Development in accordance with the amended approved plans. Energy efficiency measures. Employment Skills Plan (ESP). Construction environmental management plan. Surface water drainage strategy. Details and samples of external materials and boundary treatments. Surface water drainage implementation and verification details. Surface water drainage management and maintenance details. Details of guttering and flues/extraction. 10.”