A planning application to convert offices on Sandyford’s Portland Terrace into a 10-person house has attracted criticism from local residents, who say South Jesmond is already “saturated” with student housing.

South Jesmond councillor Lesley Storey wrote a letter to Newcastle City Council’s planning officer, stating: “I have received several complaints from local residents and I agree with the concerns they have, this proposal is not appropriate in scale for this residential area.”

The concerns are shared by Jesmond Residents Association, which told JesmondLocal in a statement: “The properties either side of the property in question are both residential and as such we are concerned that the proposed conversion would lead to harm to the amenity of neighbouring residents. The JRA will submit an objection on this basis.”

The association pointed out that the application is also opposed by the police.

On the council’s planning application website, one resident wrote: “The problem is not having students in the neighbourhood, but the council’s decision to allow property developers and landlords to allow far too many individuals crammed into a single property, and allowing projects such as these to go ahead.”

A 2017 document from Newcastle City Council considered the impact of student HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy). Newcastle’s student population numbers around 50,000 and the government’s national Planning Practice Guidance recommends purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) as the best option for cities like Newcastle. At present, it’s estimated that PBSAs can accommodate only 38% of Newcastle students, but Newcastle University is planning to redevelop its Castle Leazes halls of residence to provide a further 1,000 bedrooms.

Some students prefer PBSAs. Thulara Mallikarachchi used to live in Urban Study Jesmond, a private PBSA opposite Portland Terrace, and paid £155 per week for a studio flat. She told JesmondLocal: “I really liked having the 24-hour security and maintenance, and the fact that we had access to indoor socialising facilities.”

However, other students prefer privately rented houses. Kathryn Tyley, a student who lived in an HMO on Doncaster Road in Sandyford, told JesmondLocal: “I like the family atmosphere of sharing a house and I feel like it gives me more space. It’s also cheaper.” Tyley paid £55 per week, without bills, for her house, although she notes that the rent has since increased.

Rajeev Saggar, the planning applicant and director of SS Property Services, did not respond to JesmondLocal’s request for a comment.