Should Luton student flats to be used as hotel rooms? Councillors debate controversy at planning meeting

At last week's development control committee, councillors received an application to remove a planning restriction on a group of student flats.

Wenlock Court in Manor Road is currently restricted to student accommodation but applicant Campus Living Villages (CLV) intends to use it as a part-time hotel.

The development is a mixture of flats and studios in four accommodation blocks, adjoining the University of Bedfordshire.

CLV's agent Sean McGrath said the company provides purpose-built accommodation for the university.

He said: "Falling demand for student places is hopefully a short-term issue and the university is working hard to increase enrolment.

"CLV is keen that student flats don't remain empty.

"Given Luton's strategic location, CLV proposes flexibility to be introduced at Wenlock Court.

"With the links between the university and Luton Airport, Wenlock Court has the potential to accommodate flight crews using the airport."

The company would provide student rooms when the market changes again, he added.

Labour Farley councillor Dave Taylor observed: "It seems CLV wants the best of both worlds."

Members agreed to remove the condition, but CLV will still have to apply for change-of-use planning permission in order to fulfil its ambitions.

The meeting was told that there are several suspected cases of student flats being used for low-cost accommodation in Luton without permission.

Principal planning officer Graham Dore said: "The council is aware of this and both planning enforcement and the private sector housing teams have been working to remedy that situation."

A number of Luton hotels have lined up to condemn the prospect of a new, low-cost rival in Manor Road.

Objector Mina Anacreonte, from the Linton Hotel, said: "The current situation is uneconomical for hotels legally paying their rates and VAT, and subject to stringent health and safety.

"That's a fair and operational measure which student accommodation isn't subject to.

"Students numbers in Luton, including at the university, have fallen and it's expected they'll reduce further because of the coronavirus.

"The situation will increase the invisibility of current hotels and have a negative impact on the town."