Studentification
In 2018-19 we working with five Planning Masters students from Newcastle University. They worked with us to conduct research on the rise of purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) in Shieldfield. Shieldfield has witnessed a 467% increase in student housing numbers, driven by the lucrative and profit-oriented exploitation of land for student accommodation development. From analysis of land ownership, investment patterns of PBSA and a wide-range of planning documents, as well as 24 interviews conducted with an array of stakeholders, this research explored the direct impact on the community of Shieldfield, the processes and influences of PBSA development and the use of developer contributions. The outcomes show hope for the residents of Shieldfield but highlight development and planning processes laden with issues, exacerbated by the current climate of UK austerity.
