“There should be a limit”, as plans for hundreds of student houses in St Judes have revealed

Bristol Live readers have debated news that developers are in the preliminary stages of seeking planning permission for a 299-bed student accommodation behind Cabot Circus in St Judes. The proposed site is currently occupied by a drama school known as Big Act and the wider area has been earmarked for a significant regeneration project called Frome Gateway. Residents and readers have had their say in our comments section and on our Facebook page.

Developer Dandara Living made an inquiry into the need for an environmental impact assessment for their proposal before submitting a full planning application. As such, only limited details have been revealed at this stage, but they include the development of apartments with commercial or community facilities on the ground floor, located on Little George Street.

The proposed buildings would range in height from five to nine stories.

Comment Bristolman59 thinks: “Bristol council is by no means the brightest. Student accommodation is killing the city – students don’t spend much money in restaurants. They shop at Tesco and drink cheap wine and beer. They do not contribute to the wealth of the city.”

Reader Madge agrees: “Really come on Council/Government, there should be a cap on student accommodation. We certainly have enough for them and when they leave for the summer it is left empty until they return. Leave it to those who need it most, not more students; they also have a choice of rental homes where families could rent instead.”

AdvisoryService101 believes: “It’s all about greed! The minimum size of student units is smaller than an apartment, so they squeeze in more student units to make more profit. The hidden cost to the city in lost council tax revenue is of no interest to developers. The solution is to change the law to require all accommodation to be the same minimum size.”

Stevesus asks: “Every time I look at the news, it’s all about student accommodation. What about the people of Bristol?” Darrow agrees: “More student apartments!! Where are the family homes – you know the ones who actually pay council tax and contribute to the city?” Everycapigij feels the same way: “We don’t need more student apartments!”

Inkar replies: “So what is your plan for the 32,000 students in Bristol who need housing and are currently taking up space in houses that could be used for council tax paying families and professionals? Did you know that Bristol has the highest student retention after graduation? Most go into well-paying careers and pay huge sums into the local economy through taxation.”

On Facebook, Richard Sawyer writes: “Time to stop building all this student accommodation. More suitable affordable housing for working people is needed, not this.” Steve Russell agrees: “More housing for students who pay no council tax, which means continued high council tax for the citizens of Bristol who do.”

Traci Fish Zaman believes: “The council needs to build on this land and stop developers from building student flats, otherwise they won’t be able to support the people who are still waiting on the housing list.” Maureen Hepper agrees: “How many students can the university handle? Developers are paid to build these apartments. Come on Mr Starmer, think about the residents who need a place to live. This should be refused in my opinion.”

Susie Pellow says: “Remember Margaret Thatcher? Her government ordered council houses to be sold off and imposed limits on what the proceeds could be used for, limiting the borrowing needed by councils to build properties. This is what we, the UK public, voted for, so we only have ourselves to blame. Simply put, Councils are no longer building council houses.”

What do you think of the plans? Do you think the development will benefit Bristol? Tell us what you think in our comments section.