Developer hired new architect to rework the design after its height and colour were criticised by the planning inspectorate

Dominus has been granted planning permission by Newham Council for a 31-storey purpose-build student accommodation (PBSA) tower on Stratford High Street after its initial proposal for 34 storeys was rejected.

dominus

Source: Dominus

Dominus’ PBSA scheme has been reduced by three storeys and eight beds 

The 700-bed scheme, which was designed by Howells, was originally rejected in April last year by the London Legacy Development Corporation due to its height and design.

The planning inspectorate upheld the decision earlier this year following an appeal from Dominus, with planning inspector David Nicholson arguing that scheme breached local policy for tall buildings and that its terracotta-coloured cladding clashed with the design of surrounding buildings.

Following a redesign by architecture firm Metropolitan Workshop, the scheme will now deliver 692 student beds, including 430 cluster rooms and 262 studios, with 35% offered at affordable rents.

Living spaces with en-suite bedrooms, kitchen and dining areas, landscaped roof terraces and space for a gym, yoga studio, laundry and media room also form part of the proposals.

Meanwhile, landscape architect Spacehub’s design has provided a new community pub and street level upgrades including new outdoor and green spaces.

Located at 302-312 Stratford High Street on a closed-off brownfield plot, the site is a five-minute walk from Stratford Station and within walking distance of several universities such as University College London East, London College of Fashion, and the University of East London.

David Feeney, head of student accommodation consulting at Cushman & Wakefield, warned that the gap in supply and demand for PBSA is “becoming more acute.”

He said: “Over 175,000 students with a requirement for a bed in London cannot access PBSA. With a student to bed ratio of 2.83:1, the London market needs over 38,000 additional beds just to arrive at the national average ratio.”

In September, Dominus made two appointments to its student housing leadership team, with John Blanshard becoming director of PBSA and Sarah Reynolds PBSA operations director.

The pair will lead the development of Dominus’ student provision ahead of the completion of its three City of London schemes – 65 Holborn Viaduct, 65 Crutched Friars and 65 Fleet Street which will deliver over 2,300 student beds, with 35% at affordable rents.

 

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