Plans to convert a student accommodation block opposite Cork’s Kent Station to normal residential use have been turned down by the council, after planners at City Hall said most of the apartments would be too small for such a use. Furthermore, Cork’s acting chief fire officer raised “serious concerns” over the potential for fire in the car park of the building while UCC said that taking away student accommodation and permitting residential use would “set a worrying precedence". “We feel that this will not only dilute the provision of reasonably priced student accommodation in Cork but set a worrying precedence for similar developments in Cork city,” it said. In a report from a Cork City Council planner, it said: “The complex was purpose-built as student accommodation and the layout is not conducive to standard apartments.”This comes after news that separate a privately-owned student accommodation village in Cork city will close to students for the upcoming year and provide accommodation to Ukrainian refugees as the complex requires refurbishment. In a statement, the Department of Further Education had said: "Minister [Simon] Harris is of the firm view all student accommodation is required."

Source: Irish Examiner June 29, 2023 06:25 UTC