New plan as student flat scheme nears completion

Construction on the Deakin's Yard scheme is due to be completed by the end of December, according to developer Integritas Property Group

LDRS A seven-storey building, which is partially completed, is surrounded by scaffolding. — Construction on the Deakin's Yard scheme is due to be completed by the end of December, according to developer Integritas Property Group

Plans to offer a series of Staffordshire student flats to the public have been scaled back due to concerns over car parking.

The Deakin’s Yard development in Newcastle-under-Lyme was due to open this year but construction work was not completed in time for the start of the academic year.

Developer Integritas Property Group (IPG) asked for permission to use the 273 flats at the site - formerly known as the Sky Building - as temporary serviced apartments, reverting back to student accommodation from September 2025.

Highways officers put the brakes on the proposals, however, citing concerns over increased parking on nearby residential streets.

There was a six-year pause on the construction at the former Sky Building, after its previous owners went into administration

LDRS A seven-storey building, is surrounded by scaffolding, can be seen against a blue sky. — There was a six-year pause on the construction at the former Sky Building, after its previous owners went into administration

They said each of the serviced apartments would need its own parking space, but Deakin’s Yard will only have 19 off-street spaces - meaning a potential shortfall of more than 250 spaces.

IPG has now submitted an amended application to use just 68 of the flats as serviced apartments from January, when the building is expected to open, until September.

It was initially due to open in 2017, but the scheme stalled after the original developer ran out of money.

IPG bought the building in 2023 and planned to have it open in time for the 2024/25 academic year, but the development was hit by further delays.

In the revised application, IPG argued 68 serviced apartments would have the same parking demand as the student accommodation, so should be considered acceptable.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “This adjustment allows us to road-test the building over the next eight months ahead of its first student intake in September 2025.

“Our aim is to ensure the building is perfect for the incoming students and that any operational challenges are addressed prior to their arrival.”

The application is being considered by planners at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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