Appointed to advise prior to acquisition of the site, DPP developed a planning strategy to secure planning approval.
The site, located directly adjacent to the proposed line of the High Speed 2 Terminal, represented an ‘island’ in the area safeguarded to deliver this major infrastructure project. As such, we led detailed discussions with the LPA and the HS2 delivery body to demonstrate that the scheme would not prejudice development.
Being located outside of the city centre and adjacent to a suburban residential area, the Council’s initial reluctance to accept a tall building in this location was challenged. A Tall Building Report justifying the scale of development and demonstrating that the scheme was of high quality was prepared.

Unanimous approval was given for the 365 bed student accommodation scheme despite significant objections to the proposals on air quality and noise grounds. In so doing, DPP successfully made a case for a tall-building outside of the city centre as well as securing approval for purpose-built student accommodation despite growing opposition to this form of development in the city.

Image courtesy of DCSK Architects