A union office and home to The Stand comedy club is in line to become student flats.

The red-standstone HQ of the STUC at 333 Woodlands Road is the subject of plans just submitted to the city’s planners.

Proposals would see the building converted into 79 student digs.

The submission sets out a rooftop extension to the building to make the conversion possible.

The developers are listed as Urban Pulse STUC in the application documents.

A planning statement by consultants Aceni Projects Ltd is included in the submission.

LISTED BUILDINGS

It says the building is not listed, but lies within proximity of a number of listed buildings.

It also suggests The Stand comedy club will remain within the developed building and will actually benefit.

The statement says: “The Stand Comedy Club proprietors have been kept appraised in relation to the application…

“We hope that the proposed works will assist The Stand in enhancing this long-established venue and act to improve its sustainability at this location.”

It adds: “The proposed change of use will allow the building to be used for student accommodation, with the provision of 79 units.

“The existing building fabric is in a poor condition and requires substantial investment to allow for this change of use.

“This will be a bespoke conversion to create a quality brand of student loft apartments.”

Controversy has surrounded the boom in student accommodation in the West End and other parts of the city.

SWAMPED

The city council last year changed its policy to stop communities being swamped by developments.

In its statement, Aceni says it is “not considered that the proposed development would result in an unacceptable or harmful concentration of student accommodation in the locality”.

It adds: “Regarding character and amenity of the surrounding area, it is not considered that the proposed development would have an adverse impact.

“The surrounding area comprises a mix of residential, educational and commercial uses.

“The proposed development represents a modest student housing development, appropriate in size and scale for the locality.”

‘RELEVANT PLAN’

It concludes: “This planning statement assesses the proposed development against the relevant development plan policies and other material considerations.

“It concludes that the proposed development is generally compliant with all relevant national, regional and local planning policy, and material considerations.

“It is therefore respectfully requested that planning permission be granted for the proposed development.”