Student accommodation scheme in the heart of Shrewsbury to be approved

Planning officers have recommended Shropshire Council grants permission for plans that would see Mardol House in Shrewsbury turned into 85 rooms for its new students.

The upper floors of the building, above the Blacks store, would be developed into nine self-catering flats with five or six en-suite bedrooms for 49 students and studio apartments for another 36, including four adapted for people with disabilities.

The office block, which joins onto the Market Hall could be an ideal town centre accommodation for students of the new University Centre Shrewsbury.

The final decision will lie with the central planning committee at a meeting on Thursday.

But officers have recommended they support the plan, which they believe is an "acceptable" proposal for student accommodation.

Officer Tim Rogers said in his report: "It will be in easy walking distance of the teaching areas which are proposed to be located in the Guildhall at Frankwell.

"The university is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Shrewsbury and in particular the town centre economy."

There have been no letters of objection to the scheme, and council leader Keith Barrow has previously spoken out in support of the idea.

He said the building was an "ideal location" for student accommodation, and that it would be a "huge boost to the Shrewsbury economy".

Mr Barrow also added that it would be easy for students to visit shops, cafes, bars and clubs in the town.

Nearby residents have been assured the halls would be managed in accordance with the Universities UK student accommodation Code of Practice.The University Centre Shrewsbury would provide around-the-clock security.

Meanwhile, the council also expects the conversion of Guildhall into teaching buildings to be finished by April.