Warning over student flat numbers

A report suggests the hundreds of university places left empty in the city last year was a one-off following the rise in tuition fees and that student applications have risen by more than three per cent this year. The experts from consultancy re’new also argue that the City Council will find it difficult to oppose developers who say their proposals are offering parents and students greater choice.

Developers have already secured planning permission for 2,471 extra student bedrooms in Leeds.

Coun John Procter said councillors had raised concerns after permission was granted last year to turn an office building in the city centre into student flats.

Councillors were worried losing office space to student developments could make it more difficult to attract businesses to the city.

He said: “There are very big questions to be answered in relation to whether students now don’t want shared accommodation and do want purpose-built accommodation?”