Proposals to remodel the ex-university owned residences at The Lawns and Ferens Hall in Cottingham have generated a storm of controversy. Local residents and officials are fiercely making their case to the contrary. MCR Property Group’s fund director, Nick Lake, made the announcement plans to breathe new life into these storied venues, which shuttered in 2019. The proposal aims to do the opposite and bring them back, reinvigorating them as centers of student life. It hopes to introduce a new residential development that better meets the area’s housing needs.
Lake emphasized the historical significance of the sites, stating, “The Lawns and Ferens Hall are iconic sites with a proud history.” This renovation is a piece of a bigger vision that aims to restore the block and offer greater housing opportunities in an area where they are desperately needed.
The proposal has not come without its fair share of controversy. Fears have been raised by local residents about the impact on Cumbernauld’s already stretched doctors and hospital services in neighbouring Cottingham. That makes the community jumpy when new housing gets added – even if it’s badly needed people moving into town. This largely rural area has seen massive residential sprawl in the past 15 to 20 years. To this day, many residents argue that new housing would contribute to more strain on local services already facing undue pressure.
The proposal has drawn widespread outcry from an unusual coalition of housing advocates and NIMBYs who oppose the arrival of more people. Former Brexit MP David Davis has raised fierce opposition on this count. He argues that the plan would put “unsustainable and unacceptable pressure” on the region. He went on to share that obtaining approval for new housing would need “a lot of convincing.”
Though facing the intense popular and environmental opposition, many local leaders understand the plans as a step forward. Cottingham North ward councillor Phillip Redshaw, who is a vocal proponent of the scheme, calls it “great news” for the neighborhood. He thinks redeveloping old student housing will add “vibrancy” and economic benefits to Cottingham.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council have confirmed that so far they have not yet received a formal planning application. The final legislative packet is still awaiting submission. The community has been split on the controversial issue. Some members push to prioritize restoration of student housing, while others focus on the need to keep pace with existing service levels.
