400-bed student accommodation approved for Sheepscar

A seven-storey student residential accommodation, on the site of Caroline House and Diamond House in Sheepscar Street South, which will include more than 100 flats and 400 bedrooms.

Despite the approval, the designs were met with a mixed reception by members of the council’s city plans panel this week, with one councillor warning members of the public would think it was ‘bloody huge’.

The blueprints, brought forward by developer Alumno Student (Whitelock) Ltd, also include a ground floor “communal hub”, study areas, a dining room, common room and laundry. A cinema and gym for residents is also included.

If the scheme were to go ahead, it would mean demolishing three buildings currently on the site, including Diamond House, Britannia House and Caroline House.

Speaking at the meeting, panel member Coun Graham Latty (Con) said: “The area in which this building is going to be is probably the drabbest and most boring in Leeds.

“So to say this building is designed to fit the context. It is a big and not particularly exciting building. I don’t want to be rude about it because a great deal has been put into it.

“At the end of the day, it goes on forever and reflects what is on the inside. Rows and rows and floors and floors of rooms. It is relentless.”

Coun Peter Gruen (Lab) said: “I think sometimes architects over-think the building. We have looked at all the heritage aspects, and they have tried to mirror some of those points.

“For the man and woman in the street, they will look at this building and say ‘bloody hell – this is huge. What does it do?’ – we are not here to minimise harm, we are here to maximise good.

“There are a lot of positives in this building, but it is too monotonous, too large and not broken up.”

Coun Caroline Gruen (Lab) said: “In terms of its concept and design, I am quite happy with it and would be happy to second it.

“In terms of the external design I think we might be pushing it a brick too far.”

Coun Dan Cohen (Con) said: “It’s a long time since we’ve seen something this impressive, environmentally.

“All parts of our city deserve the best possible looking buildings. The close-up doesn’t look great and would look far worse from a distance.

“This would not be a big fix to make look far better.”

The 105 flats would be formed of 53 studio flats and 52 “cluster” flats: one four-bedroom; 18 six-bedroom; 18 seven-bedroom; 15 eight-bedroom.

Councillors agreed to the application in principle, leaving the details to Leeds City Council officers.