A new plan has been submitted for dozens of student flats near London Road despite similar plans being rejected last September.

Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) Planning Applications committee rejected plans in September 2019 for 79 student studio rooms at empty land on 40-68 Silver Street.

The latest plan seeks 71 student studio rooms in two buildings of two and four storeys, while there would also be a common room, laundrette, gym, courtyard, and bicycle storage.

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Labour and local ward councillor Rose Williams said of the previous application for 79 rooms: “There is already student accommodation on the street planned.

“We don’t need that much student housing. What is needed is housing for small families to help the feel of the place.”

While councillors Josh Williams, Tony Page and Emmett McKenna all called for evidence of the need for purpose-built student accommodation in Reading.

Responding to these concerns, the developer has commissioned estate agents Knight Frank to analyse if more student accommodation is needed.

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Estate Knight Frank concluded: “There is a clear requirement for additional student accommodation across Reading.

“The projected increase in student numbers, the existing expansion plans of the University of Reading and growing demand from students for purpose-built student accommodation will increase this requirement in future years.”

The application has received one letter of objection so far since the consultation opened on Monday.

Debbie Jeffs said: “This application should absolutely be refused.

“Residents of this street have been subjected to totally inconsiderate builders for many months, plus a road falling into disrepair.

“Student numbers are falling so why is there a need for yet more student accommodation?

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“Students can either attract or add to anti-social behaviour and we have to put up with enough of that on this route into and out of town already.

“There appears to be no accommodation for vehicles on either site the developer has or means to build on.”

Silver Street Developments Ltd already has planning permission for 56 student studio rooms at 79 Silver Street, just across the road from the proposed site.

The empty site at 40-68 Silver Street is currently being used as a compound for construction at 79 Silver Street.