Flats should be for families not students - council

A nightclub in Lincoln should be converted into homes for families rather than students, the council has said.

Plans were submitted in December to convert the Level nightclub, previously known as Ritzy's and Pulse, into accommodation for 79 students along with improved Creative College space on its ground floor.

If approved, the plans by JSO Holdings Ltd would add two extra storeys to the building on Silver Street, with accommodation split across 15 flats with shared living areas and kitchens.

However, Michelle Hoyles, the council's housing strategy manager, said more student housing in the city was "unacceptable" and urged that the homes instead be aimed at the general population.

City of Lincoln Council said there were already at least 800 unused student beds in the area, with many other buildings also far below capacity.

Planning documents said the change of use would offer "high-quality, sustainable student accommodation and a reinvigorated street-level presence that strengthens Lincoln's urban fabric".

They stated that the club had been "one of the main evening entertainment venues in the city, hosting numerous celebrities and high-profile musicians".

However, the documents added that "in recent times, the number of events has reduced due to demand, with the venue now only holding weekend events".

As part of the proposals, the existing Access Creative College, which provides training for young adults interested in music, media, games and computing, would be moved from the top to the ground floor.

But, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, in an objection on the council's planning portal, Hoyles noted that Lincoln "currently has a substantial over-provision of student accommodation".

"There are multiple buildings containing purpose-built student accommodation developed in recent years that are substantially under-occupied.

"At least two of these buildings are completely unoccupied. These two buildings alone contain more than 800 student bed spaces", she said.

The objection added that Lincoln had an under-supply of homes and demand for private and social and affordable rented accommodation was high.

The plans for the site will be scrutinised by City of Lincoln Council at a later date.

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