MEP secures permission for the first co-living establishment in Cheltenham.

23 December 2024

Morgan Elliot Planning Ltd have secured planning permission for the change of use of a Hostel (sui generis) to Co-living accommodation (sui generis) at Regency Hall on Fishers Lane in Cheltenham.
 
The Home Office previously had plans for Regency Hall to be a location for asylum seekers, until it was deemed no longer viable. This 100-bed space building needed another suitable use, which the co-living model complimented due to the existing living layout. Co-living will allow graduates and young professionals access to modern, high-quality professionally managed accommodation, with flexibility of tenure in locations where property prices may price those out of the area. With cities facing limited affordable housing, co-living creates a form of housing which is accessible to those starting on their professional journey.
 
Co-living is established in north American cities such as New York however is a new form of development in the UK and certainly the first of its kind in Cheltenham. Given the newness of co-living in the UK, the majority of developments are within London and other larger cities such as Manchester or Birmingham. The popularity of these initial developments within these cities has however started to inspire other smaller settlements to consider such schemes.

The approval brings a new type of residential development to the housing market in Cheltenham, helping to assist those trying to get onto the housing ladder.
 
A host of challenges were addressed by MEP including defining ‘co-living’, for which there is no designated land use class, defining how the property will be managed, and explaining a new concept to a local authority.

If you are interested in developing a co-living scheme in your area, our team at MEP has the expertise to guide you through the planning process. and secure the necessary permission. Please contact Grantbaylis@morganelliot.co.uk.