Proposals to create more than 200 "co-living" apartments in the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool were unanimously rejected.
An application to build an accommodation block on the site of the former Bogans Carpets unit in New Bird Street was knocked back by members of Liverpool City Council’s planning committee.
Councillors raised concerns about the affordability of the proposed housing scheme, the lack of policy around developments of its type and the construction representing a “student development by stealth.”
Read more: Controversial waterfront development unanimously rejected by planning committee
David Wilson, development manager at applicant Crosslane Ltd, urged councillors to rethink planning officers’ recommendations to refuse the plan, claiming that more than 200 jobs would be created by the scheme.
It was suggested that more than £1 million would be generated for the local economy as a result of the development.
Under the plans put forward, Crosslane Ltd sought to provide 236 single occupancy co-living studios with associated communal space.
Co-living is a concept that originated in America with schemes granted planning permission in other UK cities, including London, Manchester and Bristol.
Mr Wilson sought to calm fears that while the apartment block would resemble a halls of residence in style, it would not be construction of a “student development by stealth.”
Cllr Helen Thompson said she felt the development appeared to represent an-HMO like property, while committee chair Cllr Tony Concepcion raised concerns around the affordability of the studio apartments and it being the first application of its nature in Liverpool.
Mr Wilson said Crossland's proposal of £900 to £1,100 per month represented an affordable rate.
Further issues around accessibility of the apartments were also put forward.
Council officer Fergal McEvoy told councillors that there was no existing policy in relation to co-living properties and Cllr Concepcion said officers had also highlighted the lack of provision for accessible housing and a majority of apartments failing to comply with the Nationally Described Space Standards as reasons to reject the proposals.
Members voted unanimously to deny the plan.
Other applications heard at the meeting included members approving a plan to demolish existing buildings on Waterloo Road to construct a 16 storey residential block comprising 135 apartments.
The proposal, originally put forward by applicant Waterloo Road Ltd, was recommended for approval in February 2021 subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement and a range of conditions being met relating to parking and infrastructure in the surrounding area.
The application was reconsidered by the planning committee owing to the time period elapsed between the original report being written and new documents being finalised.
Councillors also gave the green light to plans to demolish and rebuild a potting shed to form a café at Greenbank Park, Greenbank Road.
As part of the application, the café will be permitted to trade until 11pm.
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