Law College

Redevelopment Proposed

The University of Law is releinquishing the site in 2024 and the site has been aquired by Elysium . The Law college site is one of two adjacent sites, the other being the Law College identified for development in the Local Plan. Both are previously developed sites in the Green Belt.

LPSS Policy A33

The site of 0.7HA is allocated for approximately 112 student bedspaces

Requirements

(1) Significant regard to height of buildings with specific regard to the setting of the Grade II listed Braboeuf Manor

(2) Retain some parking on site, sufficient to meet day to day operational needs

Opportunities include

(1) Green corridors and linkages to habitats outside of the site, given the site’s proximity to ancient woodland and trees

Key considerations

(1) Impact on landscape (AONB)

(2) The site is within the curtilage of Braboeuf Manor which is a Grade II Listed building and also within the St. Catherines Conservation Area See Historic England listing

(3) The development may impact on some trees which could potentially provide habitat for bats, nesting opportunities for birds and foraging areas for badgers

(4) Provision of car parking

Map of LPSS Allocation

Site has been Acquired

The Law College on Portsmouth Road is due to close and leave the site in 2024. A developer Elysian Residences have acquired the site.

Elysian Residences is a UK business, specialising in the development and operation of luxury retirement communities. They aim to provide a premium service and care provision that, until recently, could only be found abroad. It is claimed the Elysian model of living “allows you to enjoy a lifestyle that’s as relaxed or as sociable as you wish, all with discreet and flexible care on hand if and when you need it”.

Elysian was founded in 2013 and now has a portfolio of 9 retirement communities, either in development, awaiting planning or open, with around 900 units and a total sales value c. £900m.

Elysian’s initial vision for the site, “is a for a development that will provide a range of much-needed new housing with care and amenities, which will support local businesses, whilst preserving and enhancing surrounding heritage, greenspace and local ecology”.

An intial view of the proposed development.

How the Law College Site and the Mount Browne sites interact.

Current Status

a) Elysian have now refined their plans and submited a application to GBC. are refining their plans after two consultations. The plan is for senior living accomadation and a quantum of housing for sale. The plan is for outline planning at this stage for the housing to be situated on the car park - the housing development may be sold to another developer who has more experieince in creating market housing.

We have objected to the submitted plans see out letter at foot of the post as we believe it is overdevelopment and the proposals will impact the character of the area, including the AONB/Greenbelt, due to its excessive height and mass.

b) The developer has launced a website for the development. Link to external site.

b) It is confirmed that the Police HQ is not moving and has now developed plans to upgrade their facilities. See link below.