University asks for public feedback on revised development proposals

The University of Kent is asking local residents to give feedback on its revised proposals for the development of new student accommodation and a conference centre at its Canterbury Campus.

The original 'Chaucer Fields' proposal for 762 student residences and a 150-bed conference centre on a site adjacent to Chaucer College, and the companion application to remove a hedgerow, are now being withdrawn. The key aspects of the revised proposals are:

• A significantly reduced development on the site adjacent to Chaucer College
• Relocating the proposed student accommodation (Keynes 3) nearer to the centre of the campus. The 750 study bedrooms will be an extension of Keynes College in the form of townhouses and flats. There will be a substantial buffer between local and student residences
• The development of a 300-bed conference centre which will be contained within the existing hedgerow boundary and to the right of the double hedgerow (towards Chaucer College). Additional external landscaping will provide a increased 'buffer zone' between residential properties and the development
• The relocation of the planned Innovation Park, nearer to University Road.

Professor Keith Mander, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: 'We believe our new proposals present an option which is both economically viable for the University and responds to concerns of local residents, and we hope that they will come to the public exhibition to find out more and give us their feedback.'

The exhibitions are on Saturday 22 September and Monday 24 September. Further details at http://www.kent.ac.uk/consultation2012/exhibition.html

Contact: pressoffice@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 2:30pm 12 September 2012