Student flats approved at former hosiery factory

The building was described in planning documents as a "redundant commercial property"

Plans to create 47 student flats at the site of an old hosiery factory in Leicester have been approved.

Developer Jade Ltd previously failed to secure planning permission to turn the NS Waite building in Henshaw Street, in the city centre, into flats.

The firm submitted an amended plan, which it said addressed "heritage issues", to Leicester City Council in November 2022.

On Tuesday, planning officers granted the proposal conditional approval.

The previous plan to create 37 studio flats and seven two-bed flats was rejected with concerns raised about a lack of living space for students.

Planning officers also said the height of the formerly proposed development would harm the neighbouring Grade II listed Luke Turner building - an old elastic fabrics factory with a prominent history in Leicester.

Under the updated and approved plan, the NS Waite building will become 46 one-bed flats and one two-bed flat for students, with an upward extension of the original building by three storeys.

The former factory sits opposite a separate block of student flats.