New Shrewsbury student block design is criticised

Shropshire councillor Andrew Bannerman, who represents Shrewsbury's town centre, said he is concerned people have not had enough opportunity to comment on the appearance of the buildings, which will replace The Tannery at Barker Street.

The application has been submitted by Morris Guildhouse Student Partnership and is requesting permission to build three four-floor buildings to house 217 students, who will be attending Shrewsbury's new university.

Councillor Bannerman said the proposal would see much-needed redevelopment of the site – although he criticised the timescale of the application.

He said: "Everyone welcomes the idea and this site has been like a bomb site in the middle of town for far too long and it is great to develop it in this way. However, I think it is a pity that we did not have more time to look at the design as part of the design process.

"We were given a one-day preview only two days before the application was put in which is a small amount of time for residents, and the civic society and others to have much of an input."

Councillor Bannerman said more time needs to be spent on the appearance of new buildings in Shrewsbury – particularly given the town's reputation for its historic buildings.

He said: "Personally I think the design could have been better. This is a key site in the town and I am sorry we have not had much time to do it because looming over everything is the completion date of September 2016."

John Evans, an architect with POD, which designed the buildings, said he was happy with the appearance of the development.

He added: "I think we have got the balance between what is right for the town but at the same time creating a degree of modernity that goes with the image of Shrewsbury as a new centre for academic excellence."

The buildings will also have a large retaining wall around the rear of the site, which Mr Evans said would be covered in plants and greenery.