University to sell land for housing

AS MANY as 200 new homes could be built in an historic village after Keele University revealed plans to demolish its student halls there and sell off the land.

Keele residents today gave a mixed reaction, with some describing the proposals as a vital step in reinvigorating the area and providing much-needed houses for families and professionals.

But others accused the university of turning its back on the village. There are also fears it could jeopardise bus services in Keele, which rely heavily on student custom, and create more traffic congestion.

The Hawthorns covers around 12 acres and caters for 651 students, with a mixture of 1960s halls and houses and a general convenience store, which is the last remaining shop in the village.

Part of the complex is in a conservation area and includes several old buildings, a green and mature trees, which would be retained.

University registrar Simon Morris said there was a need to upgrade the student residences.

"Hawthorns is an issue, because of the difficulty in refurbishing it," he said. "We have decided to replace it rather than refurbish."

The new student accommodation could be built alongside the existing Barnes and Horwood halls on campus.

No decision has been made about whether to keep Keele Management Centre, which is used for conferences and as a hotel, in the village, or include it in the redevelopment.

Mr Morris was unable to say how many new houses would be built or how much the land was worth, although The Sentinel understands up to 200 properties could be constructed. Villagers are being invited to a consultation event today to help shape the plans.

Two-thirds of the new housing is expected to be for the open market, ranging from two-bedroom starter homes to five-bedroom properties.

The remaining third would be for a retirement village, including houses and nursing care. There could also be retail and social spaces.

J & S Seddon Ltd will build the new student residences then recoup costs by demolishing the old ones and redeveloping the Hawthorns. The scheme could take up to five years to complete.

Ken Whitaker, a director of the Seddon Group, said: "We are hoping the design and layout of the homes will feel like an organic part of the village's growth."

Cecil Askey, aged 75, from Pump Bank in Keele, said he would be glad to see the halls demolished.

"If you were here at 11pm, you would hear the shouting and bawling as students come back from the pub," he said.

Another villager, who did not want to be named, said: "I don't want the village to be swamped with houses. I'm also worried bus services could terminate at the university, rather than in the village."

Keele councillor Robin Studd said the homes would be ideal for some of the extra 1,000-plus people who will be employed as part of the expansion of Keele University and its science park.

He added: "There are only 300 properties in Keele, excluding the halls of residence. It's not enough to support a village community."

The community consultation takes place today, between 4pm and 7pm, at Keele Management Centre.

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