Plans for a six–storey student accommodation block with 205 bedrooms look set to be approved.

Planning officers at Brighton and Hove City Council have recommended the planning committee grant permission for the development in Hollingdean Road.

If voted through, the buildings at number 52 and 54, along with 46 Freehold Terrace, will be demolished to make way for the unit which will also include a laundrette, office space, cycle store and roof garden.

Eight affordable houses will also be built on the site at 46 Freehold Terrace.

In their initial application, planners from West Midlands–based Gould Singleton Architects, stated the development would “positively contribute” to what is at present an “unpleasant” environment.

City Council planning officers have urged the planning committee to grant permission for the proposal provided developers pay £449,636 in Section 106 money.

This includes £29,700 for public art, £139,950 towards sustainable transport, £266,486 for open space, space and recreation and £13,500 for local employment schemes.

The initial plans drew criticism from nearby residents with 17 sending letters objecting, over concerns of overcrowding, additional rubbish, parking problems and noise disturbance. Following further consultation a further seven letters of objection were received.

However, the proposal has won the backing of the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership.

Planning officers said noise nuisance would be mitigated because the isolated site has through routes, and 24 hour security would be employed. The hours of use of the roof terrace, they added, would also be limited.

In their conclusion to councillors, they said: “This is a finely balanced recommendation but it is considered that there are more benefits arising from the proposals than there would be harm caused to the policy objectives of retaining employment land and that on this site, the acknowledged need for purpose built student housing can be permitted instead of the alternative need for general housing.”

Phil Graves, managing director of Graves Jenkins, who has been advising agents on the scheme added: “A development of this kind will make an important contribution toward the much needed increase in student housing numbers and enable the universities in the city to continue their business growth.

“It will also undoubtedly release some of the existing houses currently being used as student accommodation in the residential areas, which can then be utilised for family housing.”

The planning committee will meet on Wednesday at 2pm at Hove Town Hall.