Office block could be transformed into homes for 109 students
The building will get a fourth floor added, if permission is granted
Stephen SumnerLocal Democracy Reporter
An "vacant and underutilised" office block in Weston-super-Mare could be revamped with housing for 109 students.
Origin3 plans to build a fourth floor onto Grove Park's Parkside, echoing a previous application for the early 1970s building.
The developer says its scheme will help meet a growing demand for student accommodation and has been endorsed by Weston College, which is just 130 metres away.
Origin3 said in its application: "The proposals represent an opportunity to re-use a vacant and underutilised site within the town centre for student accommodation.
Parkside in Grove Road (Image: Copyright Unknown)
"The proposed development seeks to deliver modern day student accommodation to meet a range of student needs and has been designed in order to ensure that all proposed units are accessible.
"The support and involvement of Weston College demonstrates that there is a clear need for this type of accommodation.
"This scheme represents a significant investment into Weston-super-Mare and demonstrates a confidence in the future of the town.
"The creation of bespoke student accommodation will complement and enhance the 'offer' of Weston College and as an increasingly popular and prestigious college/university will benefit the town socially and economically for generations to come."
A previous bid to build an additional storey onto the building was given the go-ahead in 2016.
Another application approved the change of use from offices to residential.
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If approved, the accommodation will be made up of eight one-bed studios, 15 "twodios" and 12 "clusters" with four to seven students in.
There will be 16 parking spaces on the ground floor that the developer expects will be leased to Weston College, but not to students, plus parking for 72 bicycles.
Weston College finance director Pete Sloman said the development will "bring dividends to the town, learners and the college".
North Somerset Council will decide the fate of the application in the near future.