An application to demolish an existing warehouse at 10 Douglas Street and redevelop the site into 98 flats was lodged last year by Scott Hobbs Planning on behalf of Glenmore Student Property.

Councillors on the planning committee were recommended by planners to approve the application – despite it not fully complying with the local authority’s own development plan.

Fifteen letters of objection were submitted to the council, raising concerns the CAG Architects-designed development would have a negative impact on local businesses through increased noise and pressure on parking in the surrounding streets.

There were also fears the five-storey building would have a “detrimental impact on the “character of the conservation area”, and could result in “overshadowing”.

However, councillors were told there were “material considerations of sufficient weight” to support approval of planning permission.

The Douglas Street project continues CHAP’s development of modern student living in Dundee, providing another contemporary and purpose-built residential complex on behalf of Glenmore Group.

CHAP Group’s managing director Hugh Craigie said: “We are thrilled to receive planning approval for the latest student accommodation project in Dundee. This development represents our commitment to delivering exceptional living spaces that foster a positive and enriching environment for students. We are excited to contribute to the growth and development of Dundee, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and thriving academic community.”

The project will feature 98 modern studio apartments, providing a mix of accommodation options to cater to the diverse needs of students. The thoughtfully designed complex will include communal spaces, study areas, and recreational facilities, promoting a sense of community and well-being among residents.

This project represents a major milestone in CHAP’s expansion plans into the Tayside region with the adjacent Hessian PBSA project progressing on programme. Douglas Street, as well as other planned projects for Dundee, provide a clear pipeline of work, strengthening CHAP Group’s presence within the city.

With planning approval secured, CHAP Group is ready to commence construction on the Douglas Street project in the coming weeks.

Glenmore and Scott Hobbs Planning are also behind the forthcoming student accommodation block at 56 Brown Street, which is immediately east of the Douglas Street site.

This £20 million development will see 152 new flats built on the site of a former factory, with its construction nearing completion.

It’s planned the Douglas Street accommodation will operate as an extension of 56 Brown Street, sharing facilities and amenities.

Since April 2021, eight planning applications for purpose-built student accommodation have been approved.

There are two other live planning applications for up to 517 student beds and the council has received proposal of application notices for 1,574 further purpose-built student beds across three other sites in the city.

Plans were also revealed last year to build student accommodation on the site of the former Robertson’s store on Barrack Street.

The redevelopment is expected to comprise 427 student bedrooms on the land where the once-iconic furniture store was destroyed by fire in November 2022.