Empty offices in city set to become student flats

Plans show the project would include 78 cycle parking spaces for residents

Plans to turn an empty office block in Leicester into accommodation for more than 140 students have been recommended for approval.

St John's House in South Albion Street was built in 1976 and was most recently used as offices for NHS staff but is currently vacant.

An application to convert the building into flats for 142 students, which includes 114 studio apartments, will be decided on 10 September by Leicester City Council's Planning and Development Control Committee.

This is subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement - which sets the level of financial contributions the developer should make - to secure funds for healthcare and green spaces.

The plan also includes new communal lounges, study areas and a gym on the ground floor.

Plans were revised following initial concerns from the planning authority about the impact of building extensions on apartments in the neighbouring Grade II-listed former St John's Church.

The updated scheme focuses on infilling a ground floor undercroft to create a new entrance in South Albion Street, planning documents say.