By Gavin Mackintosh-
Offices in Cambridge could be turned into student flats under plans put forward by a University of Cambridge college.
Downing College has submitted a planning application to Cambridge City Council asking for permission to convert office space in 98 Regent Street into student accommodation.
Under the proposals, the office space on the first, second and third floors is proposed to be converted to create eight student rooms, with a shared kitchen area.
The college has said the new student accommodation would be used by postgraduate students who attend the College.
Planning documents submitted to the city council by the college states that converting office space in a building it owns into student accommodation would prevent the need for it to find and buy other private housing in the city.
It said: “The University of Cambridge is seeking to grow its postgraduate numbers by one-per cent per annum.
“There is therefore very clearly a need for postgraduate housing for Downing College and providing this on a sustainable, college-owned site is clearly desirable.
“The proposed student rooms are considered to be extremely generous with ensuite bathrooms and the provision of a shared kitchen.
“All rooms have windows facing either towards Regent Street or the grounds of Downing College enabling good light levels.
“The proposal is for eight postgraduate rooms, by virtue of the type of occupier and the scale of the proposed change of use, it is considered that there will not be any antisocial behaviour or impact on surrounding uses and properties from this proposal.
“The proximity of the college itself will mean that monitoring of the premises will be undertaken as currently takes place for the rest of the Downing site and those properties along Regent Street already occupied by the college’s students.
A source close to the proposals told The Eye Of Media.Com that converting offices into student flats can help address the shortage of accommodation for students, which is often a challenge in university towns. It can provide additional housing options and potentially alleviate some of the pressures on the existing housing market.
”Repurposing existing office spaces can be a cost-effective solution compared to building new structures. It takes advantage of the existing infrastructure, saving time and resources.
Improved accessibility: Offices are often located in central areas with good transportation links, making the converted flats more accessible to students and reducing commuting distances.
”Converting offices into student accommodation also reduces the availability of office space, potentially affecting local businesses and organizations that rely on such spaces. It may lead to higher demand and increased rental costs for remaining office spaces.
However, one resident, Peter Manderson, 34-a computer software engineer, said about the proposals: ” The increased population density and lifestyle differences may create tensions between long-term residents and the student community.
” While converting offices into student flats may help address student housing shortages, it could also contribute to increased competition for available housing units in the area. This may potentially drive up rental prices for both students and non-student residents, making it more difficult for some individuals or families to find affordable housing.
Another resident, Alison Mcfarlane, 36 said: ”If student flats are predominantly located in specific areas, it may lead to the formation of student enclaves, with limited integration between students and the wider local community. This could impact community cohesion and hinder opportunities for cultural exchange and social interaction between students and local residents.