A NEW 20-bed residential block for students will be built.

The two-storey building will be built on a patch of green in front of the University of Worcester's St John’s campus, off Himbleton Road.

The plans were accepted despite concerns the building would become a thoroughfare for students not living in the block.

Councillor Chris Mitchell, chairman of the planning committee, said students living in the block would not just allow anybody to walk through – as it would just be like inviting somebody to walk through their home.

He said: “I have been reassured that it will not be used as a cut through for students. As the building is in my ward, I am sure I will be made aware if it is."

Cllr Mitchell said the block would alleviate some of the reliance on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for students in the city.

Plans show the ground floor would consist of a six-bedroom ‘cluster’ with four studio apartments and a shared kitchen. Upstairs would be an area of 10 bedrooms, a shared kitchen and a separate shared lounge.

The main entrance will be from the campus and the Himbleton Road entrance will only be able to be accessed using a key card.

The block will be nestled in land between two houses in Himbleton Road. The two-storey building will sit at the same height as one of the homes and 1.5 metres higher than the second home.

Conditions will be added to the application to ensure that a screen will be added to the balcony to protect the privacy of neighbours.

Cllr Jo Hodges welcomed the plans, saying: “I know what students are like and I know the concerns that people have about students living near them.”

She said the halls would be “better quality for students to study in and better living accommodation for them.”

Cllr Stuart Denlegh-Maxwell said: “The city would be a lot poorer place without the university.”

The committee heard plans show a balcony for “maintenance access/window cleaning” but students won't be able to access it. Students seen on the balcony would be told to leave immediately.

Cllr Chris Cawthorne said she could not support the application because she “deplored” the concentration of students in the area.

She said: “It is not my ward but I know it gains a lot of complaints.”