Aberystwyth student flats plan to go-ahead after appeal

A controversial scheme to convert an old passport office into 51 student flats is to go-ahead after a council decision to reject it was overturned.

Tai Cantref housing association won an appeal after it took its case about Aberystwyth's Crown Buildings to the Welsh Planning Inspectorate.

Ceredigion council rejected plans to transform the four-storey property last December.

Tai Cantref said conversion work was expected to be completed in December.

The local authority's planning committee refused the application after hearing concerns about noise and a lack of parking space.

Crown Buildings, which was also an office for the Department for Work and Pensions, closed in Northgate Street in August last year.

Gareth Thomas, development manager at Cymdeithas Tai Cantref, said: "We are naturally delighted with the decision of the planning inspectorate in allowing the appeal for the student accommodation scheme at the Crown Buildings in Aberystwyth.

We certainly intend to listen and take on board fully the concerns raised by local residents, the town council and local members.”

"The appeal was well attended by objectors and supporters for the scheme and all matters were discussed openly and thoroughly at the hearing.

"We certainly intend to listen and take on board fully the concerns raised by local residents, the town council and local members."

Aberystwyth has faced a shortage of student accommodation in recent years, with some having to be housed temporarily in guest houses and hotels.

Mr Thomas added that the flats would be ready for the start of the Lent term in January 2013.

Ceredigion council has been asked to comment.

Local county councillor Alun Williams said although many local residents were dismayed at the decision, it would be welcomed by Aberystwyth Guild of Students and shops in Northgate Street.

He added: "The application, which was put by Cantref housing association, has been reduced from its original 61 places."

Mr Williams said conditions imposed in the judgement included double glazing, noise insulation, an out-of-hours call system and a warden on site from 18:00-07:00.