Student flats delay blamed on admin issues

Deakin's Yard was due to open to students for the 2025/26 academic year

The owner of newly-built student accommodation says an "admin situation" is to blame after people were blocked from moving in because of a suspected breach of building regulations.

Up to 230 students were believed to be at risk of being displaced after the launch of Deakin's Yard in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, was delayed.

It came as a result of a High Court injunction obtained by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which prevented "unlawful occupation" of the building while inquiries were made.

Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, said the delay was a "huge shock" and an "utterly unacceptable situation", and answers were needed from the developers and contractors.

Mitchell Walsh, of owners Integritas Property Group, claimed the delay centred around the final building control certificate, which needs to be issued by the HSE.

"We're stuck in a little bit of an admin situation," he told BBC Radio Stoke. "We were under the impression [the certificate] would be issued before the student intake.

"Unfortunately, that hasn't happened and it feels like we've been caught up in a misunderstanding."

'Safe and ready'

Integritas took on the site, formerly known as the Sky Building, in 2023 after the previous developer went into administration.

It was originally scheduled to open for the 2024/25 intake but it was delayed by a year as the firm decided to "future proof" the site when new regulations were announced that April, Mr Walsh said.

Despite the recent injunction, he said the building was up to specification, as well as "safe and ready" for students to move in.

He claimed the issues were outside the firm's control and the aim was still to open the building in the "short-term future".

"This is going to be a nervous time for any of the students and families involved and we're going to be here to support them every step of the way," he added.

MP Adam Jogee described it as an "utterly unacceptable situation"

Jogee said: "My constituents – and the students affected – deserve to know who is responsible and how this will be put right."

Keele University said it was supporting students affected by the issue and had a range of on-campus accommodation available.

Affected students have been urged to contact the university directly for support, it added.

A spokesperson for the HSE said: "The welfare of those due to occupy the building is our primary priority."

They added it was working with relevant organisations to resolve the matter.