Bid to turn National Star College student halls in Gloucester into large townhouses

There are plans to turn student halls in Gloucester into five large townhouses.

Tom Waldron wants permission to convert Elizabeth House which has provided accommodation over the years for students at National Star College’s Ullenwood campus.

His proposals, which have been submitted to Gloucester City Council, include turning the red brick Edwardian property into four-bed homes.

The plans suggest each home would have a separate access and parking for two vehicles. Four of the homes would have direct access off Denmark Road and one from Alexandra Road.

The scheme also includes bin and bicycle storage and the existing fabric and insulation at the site will be upgraded throughout to ensure the most efficient energy performance.

Developers say they will use high quality and sustainably sourced materials with “robust and durable detailing”.

However, ward councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) says the plans need tweaking and has raised concerns over plans to replace wooden sash windows with modern UPVC windows as the building is in the conservation area.

“Until recently Elizabeth House had provided accommodation for students at National Star Centre, the college at Ullenwood. Specialist housing has now been built at the college for young people with disabilities.

“The proposed change of use to create five large town houses from the main building all with four bedrooms is a good proposal that in principle has my support. The current car park will become restored gardens.

“The property is within the Denmark Road conservation area and there are issues about replacing the wooden sash windows with modern UPVC windows that need to be rectified.

“I am also concerned about the front boundary wall being removed and the front gardens being replaced with parking spaces. The plans need tweaking.”

City planners are expected to consider the proposals by April 21.

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk