Plans have been submitted to Luton Borough Council for the demolition and redevelopment of No. 18-22 Rothesay Road, Luton. The development brings forward 36no. 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments with associated parking, dedicated cycle and refuse storage areas and landscaped amenity gardens.

The site is located to the West of Luton Town Centre on ‘unallocated’ land as identified on the Luton Plan Proposals Map. The area is mainly residential accommodation between 3-6 storey although Luton Police Station is opposite the site and there are some commercial / office uses within the immediate vicinity. The existing two / three storey building dates back to the Victorian era and is characterised by traditional detailing with red facing brick, projecting bays with timber sash windows and arched feature windows at upper levels with decorative surrounds. Formerly a residential dwelling the building has been converted to office use. Externally there is extensive hard standing to the front and rear of the development with very little landscape opportunities.

The new proposal consists of accommodation and rear vehicular access at ground level with four storeys of accommodation above and a recessed fifth level. A lower ground level provides further accommodation, lightwell and terraced area along with additional ancillary space, cycle storage and plant area. All dwellings have access to either a balcony or external terraces or garden areas. All dwellings will meet the Ndss space standards.

The façade has a contemporary, simple and ordered approach which takes reference from the surrounding context in terms of brick colours and tones. The brick arrangement and colour have been carefully chosen to break up the façade and give depth to the recesses whilst emphasizing the base with feature precast columns. The set back level 05 is a lighter grey cladding panel to give emphasis to the main brick façade. Landscape along the frontage and to the rear has been incorporated to provide ecological benefits and enhanced streetscape. The proposals will site well in the current context and enhance the street scene. The application is due to go to planning committee at the end of February.