Plans for a city centre student complex with almost 540 bedrooms have tonight been given the go-ahead.

All but one councillor voted to give the scheme in Pin Hill, Canterbury, the go-ahead as the city council's planning committee met at the Guildhall.

The five-storey development, designed by award-winning architect Guy Hollaway, will be built on the old Peugeot garage site and front onto the city's ring road.

The scheme includes a gymnasium and landscaped open space.

Canterbury Christ Church University and the Oaten Hill and District Society had been among the opponents to the proposal, which is being led by developers and not a university.

In his report recommending approval, planning officer Ben Young says the site is in “a wholly sustainable location for students to live and access other university facilities and public transport”.

He says the development will also provide “significant environmental and pedestrian improvements” in Rhodaus Town and concludes it meets the objectives of sustainable development in planning policy.