A student complex on the former Dairy Crest site in Canterbury can now go ahead after an inspector overturned a city council decision.

The authority’s planning committee had rejected the application for the building in Military Road by developer CSQ Ltd, which appealed the decision.

People living near the proposed building objected to it on the basis that it was too large and would create too much noise and disturbance once students moved in.

But last week planning inspector Patrick Whelan ruled that the scheme 224-room scheme could go ahead.

He said: “I understand that many local residents may prefer family housing on the site. However, no alternative proposal is before me.

“The council does not object to the proposed use and the appellant has identified that there is a substantial under supply of student bed spaces. In any event, I can consider only the scheme proposed and must determine it on the evidence before me.

“I acknowledge the concerns about the potential for noise from students. However, the management plan, whose implementation can be made a condition of permission, requires students to sign an agreement and to provide a guarantor.

“It provides redress against any anti-social behaviour in relation to neighbours. It would secure staff on-site during the day and contact to off-site staff during nights and weekends.

"This would limit any potential disturbance to neighbours.”

Most of the objections to the plan came from people with homes in the square behind in Notley Street, Alma Street, Alma Place and Clyde Street.

Catherine Davis, who has lived in Alma Street since 1978, said: “This building is going to change the whole character of the area. It’s going to be very big and I’m fearful. It’s going to be a nightmare.”

Retired scientist Philip Poole, who lives in Havelock Street, added: “There were a lot of concerns about the scale and bulk of the development. The building is inappropriate for the environment and the community living around it.”

Council planners had originally recommended the scheme for approval, but the planning committee rejected it in March last year.

The development will add to the growing list of purpose-built student accommodation going up across the city. They are intended to free up houses in residential streets for permanent residents.