Empty office block in city to become student flats

The block was most recently used as an office for NHS staff, but is now empty

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

St John's House in South Albion Street, near Leicester Railway Station, can now be converted into flats for 142 students, which includes 114 studio apartments.

The plan, which was approved by Leicester City Council, also includes new communal lounges, study areas and a gym on the ground floor, according to The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The block was built in 1976 and was most recently used as offices for NHS staff, but is currently vacant.

The project was 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 focused on infilling a ground-floor undercroft to create a new entrance in South Albion Street.

The LDRS said councillors had raised concerns over the rooms being "too small", and planning officers acknowledged in a report to the committee that "most" of the flats would not meet nationally set space standards.

However, planning officers said the national standards were not legally required for student accommodation.

City councillor Stephen Bonham said he believed the council should have "some clear guidance" on what it considered to be acceptable when it comes to apartment sizes in student accommodation.

he plans were approved after a split vote, with planning committee chair, Yasmin Surti, casting the deciding vote.