A full planning application has been submitted for the conversion of a halls of residence into a student hotel in Sheffield. Instructed by the University of Sheffield, DLP Planning Ltd undertook pre-application discussions with Sheffield City Council, provided a detailed statement assessing the planning balance of the proposals, and worked with a multi-disciplinary team to co-ordinate the application submission.

Jonas Court is a former halls of residence for students at the University of Sheffield but in recent years there has been a lack of demand for catered student accommodation of the type provided at Jonas Court. The limited social, leisure and communal facilities currently offered at Jonas Court have made it an unattractive option for students today and the University have therefore opted to vacate the property and pursue its redevelopment in a more viable format.

The proposal seeks to alter the existing use of the building as a student residence (sui generis) to create a new mixed student and public hotel (C1) (‘student hotel’) within the fabric of the existing building.  The proposals comprise ancillary uses to support the new function of the building as a student hotel, including a reception, leisure area, bar, lounges and study rooms. 57 en-suite rooms are proposed within the student hotel with a further 23 en-suite rooms for use by the general public. The proposals also incorporate five new parking spaces to serve the new use.

The application is currently under consideration by Sheffield City Council.