Plans to build more student flats in Bath have come under fire for going against Council policies.

Regen Developments wants to turn a disused office block on the edge of the city into 12 student flats, housing a total of 54 beds. The developers submitted a planning application for their plans for Minerva House on the Lower Bristol Road to Bath and North East Somerset Council and said that a separate application would seek permission to build four more flats on the roof.

A statement submitted with the application said: “The building is generally in good condition and ideally suited for refurbishment to student accommodation. It is also located on university and local bus routes ensuring students can access education and town centre amenities without the use of a private vehicle.”

It added: “There is currently a significant under-supply of high quality student accommodation in Bath. Many students live within houses of multiple occupation which in many cases are remote from the relevant institutions and unsuitable with regard to catering for their needs.”

But Sarah Moore, who represents Twerton on Bath and North East Somerset Council, slammed the plans and called for them to be brought before the council’s planning committee. She said: “There is no evidence provided from either university that further rooms are required. The blocks we already have are not full and there are blocks in other areas of the city that are also being built without clear evidence of the need.”

She added: “This clearly goes against council policy to allow any new [purpose-built student accommodation] outside of a university campus unless the applicant is working with an educational establishment.”

You can view and comment on the plans here.