Brynmill student flats developer to appeal refusal

A DECISION to turn down plans for a 75-room student development in Brynmill is to be challenged.

Swansea Council rejected an application for the former Earlsmoor Nursing Home in July, after councillors agreed a no-car rule would be unenforceable.

The scheme being proposed for the property next to Singleton Park involved demolishing the building and replacing it with flats for university students. But many local residents voiced concerns about the site on the corner of Bryn Road and Brynmill Lane, even though Swansea Council planners recommended the scheme be given the go-ahead, with a "no-car" rule for the students who would live there.

The application had included a condition that anyone wanting to rent one of the flats would have had to sign an agreement saying they would not keep a car within three miles of the flats. But when it came before the council's development control committee, members questioned how such a policy would be policed and enforced, and the development was turned down by a unanimous vote.

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However, the decision has now been appealed to the Welsh Assembly.

Uplands councillor John Bayliss said: "The decision to object to the council's decision shows a shocking disregard by the planning developer for the local community.

"There was a unanimous vote against the Earlsmoor site, which was rejected by residents and the local community — and is just not wanted.

"I do not know if the no-car policy is part of the application, but it is completely unworkable.

"Uplands Labour councillors listened to the arguments, realised it was a mistake, and convinced our colleagues.

"I hope the Assembly planning inspectors show the same respect to the local community, and realise it is not wanted."

Swansea Council officers who recommended the original application said any students who signed an agreement not to keep any motor vehicle within three miles of the property would be pursued through the courts if they did not comply.

But residents and councillors speaking to the committee asked how it would be enforced.

Speaking on behalf of the application at the time, architect Huw Griffiths said: "No resident would be permitted to sign a lease if they have a car.

"It is very, very simple, and there would be no cost borne by the council with regards to policing."