STUDENT flat developments are to be restricted in university areas of Glasgow where over-provision risks “eroding” communities.
Two areas have been identified by the council where the volume of purpose built student accommodation is said to have reached such a level that further proposals “would likely undermine residential amenity in these areas”.
The areas of Partick and Yorkhill, which are close to Glasgow University and Townhead and Cowcaddens, near Glasgow Caledonian University, have been singled out in a report which will issue strict new guidelines for developers.
The 2011 Census confirmed that there were almost 130,000 students studying in Glasgow. Traditionally, students have lived in halls of residence, at home, or in private rented accommodation
Over the past 15 years, purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) has become an increasingly popular model, primarily attracting post-graduate and international students.
The council says high-quality accommodation that is appropriately located can make a positive contribution to the local environment, making use of vacant and derelict sites as well as helping sustain facilities and amenities for residents.
However the report adds: “While Student Accommodation often brings positive impacts as described above, there is arisk that an increased concentration of student accommodation in a locality will lead to the erosion of the established community, harming the relationship between the community and place.
“This information will serve to inform the assessment of whether the proposal will have a harmful impact on the maintenance of a sustainable community”.
Developers will now be required to provide a detailed analysis of the area and indicate what amenities they will bring for the benefit of the wider community such as cafes and recycling facilities.
Applications will be favoured in locations with good access to university and college facilities by active travel routes and public transport and where the development has access to shops, services, healthcare, leisure and community facilities.
Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Neighbourhood, Housing and Public Realm at Glasgow City Council, said: “The new planning guidance on student accommodation will stop over-concentration in certain areas of the city and improve quality of design.”
The guidance will now be submitted to the Scottish Government for consideration.
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