Plans for new student block at Warwickshire College site in Leamington

Planning officers have recommended that Warwick District Council’s planning committee should grant planning permission for the proposal when it is considered at a meeting on Tuesday.

The three-storey halls of residence, which will be built on the existing car park in the north-east corner of the Warwick New Road site, will also include 12 flats, warden’s accommodation, shared laundry facility and a new car park which will add 20 spaces to existing capacity.

The college has said: “This additional accommodation is needed to cater for the increase in international students as part of both our own growth strategy and, importantly, as part of a recently agreed contract with the University of Warwick.

“This contract is to deliver the university’s international foundation programme - a prestigious programme that attracts a significant number of young people with the aptitude to gain entry to some of the UK’s leading universities.”

Nine letters of objection were received on grounds of additional parking pressure and congestion at the site, noise nuisance late at night and building works taking place at anti-social times.

Meanwhile, campaigners who are trying to get the college to reverse its decision to close its on-site nursery have raised concerns about the new development. They have questioned why money is being spent on building the accommodation block and not on upgrading the nursery to allow it to stay open.

Parent Hayley Willoughy, who has been leading the campaign, said: “It’s clear the move is revenue-related as the halls of residence will create more income than the nursery.”