Plymouth people torn as derelict pub set to be turned into student flats

The former Mousetrap bar on North Hill closed down in 2017

PlymouthLive readers have expressed their thoughts on plans to transform the once-popular Mousetrap bar on North Hill. Once a nightlife hotspot for Plymouth students, the building is now set to be converted into purpose built student accommodation.

The proposed change of use, along with the conversion and extension of the existing building, is being put forward for approval. Readers and residents have been having their say in our comments section.

The well-known former Mousetrap venue closed its doors back in 2017 and was followed by Old Tom's gin bar, which took over the space only to cease operations in 2020. Since then, the site has remained unoccupied.

Although initially granted planning permission to change the premises into office spaces, new plans heading for scrutiny at Plymouth City Council's planning committee are poised to revamp the ground floor and basement, with a two-storey extension above, all dedicated to student living.

Planners, who have recommended approval, state in their report: "Officers acknowledge that the proposal would add to an existing high concentration of student accommodation in this area. However, whilst there is some conflict with policies, there are mitigating factors."

Commenter KenJohnson1 says: “Oh come on! Plymouth has more than enough purpose built student accommodation, some of which in the City Centre is empty. It would be better to build a block of social housing flats for young working people to live in and rent. There is a real shortage of this type of accommodation in Plymouth. Also, many Students don't want to live in blocks of Student only flats, hence why they do house shares and flat shares in the Private Sector mainly in streets close to the City Centre.”

AJGreen adds: “There are many people with no income that can afford flats. Developers want a return on their investment and they're not a charitable trust.”

RickOshay says: “It would be lovely to think that at some point there would be sufficient purpose built student accommodation so that HMO’s currently housing students could be turned back into family properties.”

Joe123 replies: “It's not that simplistic. Whenever purpose built student accommodation gets built, it doesn't result in HMOs becoming available. In fact, they just continue to be used as student accommodation, whilst more new buildings get built or existing houses get converted into student accommodation. As the university is ever-growing, the need for accommodation is ever-growing.”

Sneddzy writes: “More poxy flats for students that don't look after them. Its council houses the people of Plymouth need, not student flats that the university can't fill. The Council should be."

Maximodo123 says: “I never realised until recently that student accommodation, together with other organisations, are exempt from council tax! If the council services are used then surely council tax should not be exempt.”

Robrob71 replies: “They may be exempt however, the owners have to pay business rates on the building so the council still gets paid for the services used.”

Plymothianlad thinks: “It would be better than one of many derelict buildings that blight the area. However, PCC are going against their own policies, they simply bend the rules to suit, all a bit of a joke for those that have planning denied for not complying with their policies.”

Beingmercurial agrees: “I would argue that in this case, it kind of makes sense - it's right on the doorstep of the campus, and I imagine the prospect of getting any actual sleep around there on a Friday night is zero. I know getting investment into Plymouth is a challenge, but opening yet more coffee shops and pandering to the university is not going to do it.”

Km05 asks: “Does Plymouth really need more student flats? It's becoming a student hub full of poundlands. Where is the ambition to bring investments which will provide better paid jobs and increase the affordability for local people?”

AJGreen replies: “The market will see whether Plymouth needs more student accommodation. Plymouth is growing, along with its ambition. The Freeport initiative is already providing funding for improvements at both Millbay and Cattedown docks, marine research is on the increase and Plymouth is a leader in that field. The City Centre improvements will encourage inward investment and businesses and will attract more tourism. The future for the city looks OK.”

Do you think Plymouth needs more student accommodation? Have your say in our comments section.