Student flats for former rest home?

A council report looking at the planning application for Holcombe House and the adjoining bank building in Heene Road, Heene, suggests granting temporary permission for the hostel for Northbrook College '“ as long as no new issues are raised before the meeting on Tuesday.

Three letters of objection and a petition signed by 11 residents of Heene Lodge have been received. Concerns include increased noise and car parking problems in the area.

Northbrook College says there will be a permanent warden on the site and the college would try to allocate the accommodation to more mature students and those from overseas to help reduce any potential noise nuisance.

The report also says that the college are intending to allocate rooms to students attending the Union Place campus meaning they could walk or cycle to college.

The council report suggests granting the permission until the end of September 2005, that parking is provided before occupation and that a warden be resident in the building at all times.