In Leeds, Student Accommodation

Acting on behalf of MBU Capital, DPP have kicked off 2023 by hitting two important milestones concerning sites in Leeds and Sheffield.

DPP’s Leeds office are delighted to kick off 2023 by securing planning permission for a new Purpose Built Student Accommodation scheme in Sheepscar, Leeds. The scheme involves the erection of a seven-storey accommodation block providing additional accommodation for 355 students, in a location on the edge of the city centre.

DPP  progressed with a pre-application enquiry on behalf of the client, and subsequently coordinated with the wider client team to prepare and submit the complex planning application for this site. Thereafter, DPP worked closely with officers throughout the application process to address various technical matters, culminating in the approval of the application via delegated powers.

Chris Megson, Senior Planner at DPP said:

Securing consent for MBU Capital in Leeds is a great way to start the new year. The application process was particularly challenging, as the Council raised numerous technical issues at a very late stage. DPP were, therefore, required to work closely with the wider client team to supplement the original submission, and thereafter negotiate a suitable compromise with officers including a significant reduction in off-site highway contributions. DPP successfully addressed issues relating to highways and access, wind impact and design, thereby paving the way for an approval via delegated powers. A very satisfying way to start the New Year.

Following the success in Leeds, DPP have submitted a full application for MBU Capital for a Co-Living scheme on Scotland Street, Sheffield. The proposals involve a 10-storey building comprising a 228-unit co-living development with over 1,500sqm of internal and external amenity space. The application follows a detailed pre-application discussion with Sheffield City Council’s planning and design officers over numerous months to amend height, massing, and detailing, as well as discuss the nature of the site adjacent to a conservation area and near to a listed building. Following this, DPP took a lead on procuring external consultants and their reports, including ecology, heritage, drainage, and highways. As the application process has now started, DPP will continue to manage the application through to a determination in close consultation with the Council and the wider project team.

Will Marshall, Senior Planner at DPP, commented:

We are delighted to continue our partnership with MBU Capital in what is their second direct investment in Sheffield which is located to help link the main central shopping area with Kelham Island, the latter having recently been called one of the ‘coolest’ places to visit by Time Out magazine. The proposals also build on recent investment in the area including the topped-out development located adjacent on the former Queens Hotel site, and the joint Urbo/Peveril West Bar development which will see new office space, apartments, retail, and leisure across a total of 1million sqft of floorspace. We are excited to work the application through the planning system and deliver a successful outcome.

DPP look forward to working with MBU Capital throughout 2023 and beyond, continuing to secure timely and favourable outcomes for the client.

Images: Studio-NQ – Main Image and Image 3 Sheepscar, Leeds, Images 1 and 2 Scotland Street, Sheffield

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