Company withdraws application to use three blocks of Luton student flats as hotels

Two weeks ago, the Luton News reported that firm Opto Living was seeking retrospective approval to run its three student buildings as hotels.

The three sites are Springs Place in Dumfries Street, London Park House in Park Street and Chapel House in Chapel Street.

On Tuesday, July 28, all three planning applications for retrospective hotel use were withdrawn.

The units were originally granted planning permission as student accommodation, but since 2017 they have been advertised as hotel stays on websites such as booking.com and Trivago.

Student accommodation is exempt from paying business rates, and Luton Hotel Forum claims that Opto Living’s activities have substantially undercut legitimate hotels over the years.

A Luton Borough Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the concerns of the Luton Hotel Forum, are engaging closely with them, and will provide them with an update when we are able to do so.

“The issues raised are complex and cover several different areas of legislation. While we seek to resolve them it would not be appropriate to comment further.”