Further blow to Luton hotels as council approves guest use at another student flats site

The University of Bedfordshire’s housing supplier, Campus Living Villages (CLV) insists it will stay in the town and return the premises to student rooms when the market picks up again, a borough council development control committee meeting heard.

The company applied for temporary change of use for part of its student accommodation off Manor Road to a flexible arrangement as a hotel.

“Four representations have been received, including an objection to the provision of extra hotel rooms,” according to a report to councillors.

“It’s acknowledged that significant concern has been expressed by current hoteliers within Luton,” said the report.

“But, on balance, it’s considered this can’t substantiate a refusal on that basis.

“The change of use would provide some certainty over a site which could otherwise fall vacant within this area.”

Principal planning officer Graham Dore said: “The proposal seeks the temporary use of part of the student complex as guest accommodation for two years.

“The circumstances around the use of this site are unique as the owner and the operator is the University of Bedfordshire’s accommodation partner, CLV.

“The company has been affected adversely by the downturn over student accommodation in the borough.

“The concerns raised are mainly around unauthorised uses at other sites, which the council has worked very hard to address.

“These market issues are broadly anecdotal, not entirely relevant to planning consideration, and generally related to Covid-19 and the associated impacts on hospitality and air travel.”

The site contains 273 rooms with a mixture of multiple-occupancy flats and self-contained studios, added the report.

CLV commercial director Jo Hawley said: “We provide purpose built accommodation and facilities for the university at its campus in Bedford, as well as in Luton.

“The Luton campus is split between two linked locations, Fitzroy Court and Wenlock Court, formerly known as Manor Court, and the subject of this application.

“Demand in Luton has declined because of a fall in student numbers studying at the university.

“Hopefully this is a short-term issue and the university is working hard to increase enrolment.

“We’re keen student flats and bedrooms don’t remain empty,” she explained.

“In the short-term, we want the accommodation to be used by hotel guests, to safeguard staff jobs, such as housekeepers.

“Given Luton’s strategic location with the airport, we know there’s demand for hotel space.

“We want the flexibility to use the block at Wenlock Court as a hotel, and have agreed a maximum of 97 rooms with a built-in review mechanism.”

Given the links between the university and London Luton Airport, flight crews could be accommodated once the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, she added.

“But I emphasize our business is providing student housing and we want to maintain flexibility to allow them back.

“CLV is in Luton for the long-term as partners of the university.

“We’ve been upfront and transparent with the council regarding out intentions for the property.”

Head of operations for CLV Lisa Brown confirmed the hotel section would be “completely separate” from student premises.

Councillors unanimously approved the plans for a temporary two-year use.