PLANS for new ‘state-of-the-art’ student accommodation at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Farnham have been given the go-ahead by Waverley Borough Council.

The council’s joint planning committee voted unanimously to grant full planning permission on Wednesday last week for 252 new en-suite bedrooms across five purpose-built student accommodation buildings, subject to the completion of a legal agreement.

The go-ahead comes following a period of public consultation earlier this year, in which more than 220 visitors attended UCA Farnham to review the proposals and offer feedback.

UCA vice-chancellor Professor Bashir Makhoul said: “We are very pleased to have been given the go-ahead to further develop our student accommodation at UCA Farnham, which currently has a lower student-to-bed ratio than its peers.”

The UCA has, in various guises, been part of the Farnham community for more than 150 years, and its campus in the town is a significant contributor to the local economy, spending around £1.7 million a year with local businesses. Its students contribute an estimated £12m each year to the local area.

The university was also named ‘Modern University of the Year’ in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide last weekend - as reported on page eight of this week’s Herald.

Professor Makhoul continued: “Ensuring our facilities and student accommodation match the high quality education offered at the university plays an important role in enhancing the student experience and maintaining the university’s position as the UK’s top specialist arts university for the creative industries.

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to comment on our proposals for the new student accommodation and for sharing their feedback with us.”

The new residences will consist of two three-storey buildings and three four-storey buildings, built on the site of Main Hall, which the UCA says has now surpassed its useful life. As part of the development, UCA will be creating new and improved communal spaces across the campus and upgrading its car parking and cycling facilities.

Many councillors expressed concern prior to the meeting at the net loss of car parking spaces as a result of the proposal. However, members praised the UCA’s new travel plan for alleviating these fears, including offering students a 20 per cent discount on local buses and restricting car parking passes.

The Farnham Society also criticised the design of the new buildings. However, ward councillor David Beaman praised the UCA for meeting with the society face-to-face and doing “as much as it could within the financial restraints”.

The Bourne councillor Carole Cockburn added the new accommodation, representing a net increase of around 210 rooms, would free up around 72 homes into the local market area.

Cranleigh member Mary Foryszewski added the borough “should be very proud” of the UCA, adding “what it contributes to Farnham is phenomenal”.

Work is expected to begin on the new accommodation buildings next year.