Students object to council's student flat plans in Lancaster

Lancaster University Student Union (LUSU) say the development of St Leonard’s House, in St Leonard’s Gate, threatens the future of its Sugarhouse Nightclub, situated next to the building.

LUSU launched a similar campaign against plans to turn the former Gillows building in North Road into student accommodation, which is also close to the Sugarhouse.

The planning application by Lancaster developers Cityblock was later refused by the city council’s planning committee.

LUSU vice-president Sophie Tarif said: “We really hope as many students as possible will take a couple of minutes to help us stop this development.

“We know how important the Sugarhouse is to students and to the city, and it’s vital that we work together to stop a development that will harm the student experience that Lancaster offers.”

LUSU says that any development of the council owned building into living accommodation could force the closure of the club due to potential noise complaints.

The plans are for a change of use from offices to student accommodation made up of 81 studios, four 4-bed, seven 5-bed and eight 6-bed cluster flats, a gym and communal facilities. The work will include internal demolition and alterations, and a replacement roof.