New plan for nightclub conversion to student flats

A developer has altered plans to convert a Lincoln nightclub into student flats after criticism of the original proposal.

Plans were originally submitted in December to convert the Level venue on Silver Street by adding two floors and opening a media training space on its ground floor.

However, City of Lincoln Council's housing department had objected to more student accommodation, claiming more than 800 rooms were already standing empty.

Applicant JSO Holdings has now reduced the plan to add just one extra storey and redesigned the building's appearance in a bid to win planning permission.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, it is not clear how the revised plans to add one new floor would affect the number of flats, which originally numbered 79 with shared living areas and kitchen.

Historic England had raised concerns about the height and size of the extra floors in Lincoln's city centre conservation area.

New documents from the applicant said: "Reducing the height of the proposed extension at roof level by one storey reduces the risk of harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area."

The building's colour and appearance has also been redesigned.

The Access Creative College, which runs courses on music, media, games and computing, would move to improved facilities on the ground floor under the proposal.

The application will be decided by the city council at a later date.

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