Yahoo News Plans for 'attractive' student rooms overlooking Cambridge park approved
Cambridge City Council has approved plans to redevelop a city centre site overlooking Parker's Piece into 26 student rooms and restaurant space. Downing College Developments Ltd submitted plans to redevelop buildings on Regent Street which were discussed at a planning meeting on Wednesday (September 4).
The plans will see some buildings at 19-35 Regent Street partially demolished, with retention of some of the 'best facades'. Cllr Martin Smart described the plans as 'attractive', saying: "I think it's a positive addition."
Councillors discussed the use of the building, including questions about private use of the building outside term times as well as management conditions. An S106 condition said: "Use restricted to students in connection with institution, management plan of arrivals/departures, controls of noise and disturbance, controls of bringing vehicles into Cambridge."
A council officer said the development would see a 'modest' loss of market housing but it would provide a lot more student accommodation. Cllr Smart said: "Provision of student accommodation [helps] with the lack of other dwelling types in the city."
A Downing College website dedicated to the proposals said: "Once a piano shop, the 19-35 Regent Street site has formed a key juncture between Regent Street and the pedestrian route through from Parker's Piece for over a century. The current frontage of the 19-31 section of the building is in need of improvement, with the ground floor restaurant space poorly laid out with limited glazed openings."
