PLANS for a student accommodation block to be built next to Hereford train station have been submitted to the council.

The block will be built at Station Approach and will be comprised of 178 bedrooms, if accepted.

The hybrid application features a full application for student accommodation with hard and soft landscaping, along with an outline application for a stand alone ancillary commercial element.

The building will include 172 cluster bedrooms and six studios on the ground floor, along with six car parking spaces with charge points for electric cars.

Students at the Hereford College of Arts will make up the majority of the residents in the block, however rooms will also be allocated to students of the upcoming university, NMiTE.

The application has been made by Cheshire based Cityheart Partnerships and energy and regeneration specialists ENGIE.

The design will 'will greatly enhance the quality and appearance of the site' and 'deliver a positive addition to the local area' according to the proposal's Design and Access Statement.

Cllr Harry Bramer, cabinet member for contracts and assets, said: "The exciting proposals for Station Approach demonstrate our commitment to supporting the growth of our local economy and improving Herefordshire as a place to live, work and visit. As well as supporting the economic development of the region, this purpose-built student accommodation at Station Approach will promote Herefordshire as as a great place to study."

Abigail Appleton from Hereford College of Arts added: "This opportunity plays an important role in our plans to attract more students than ever before to Hereford for creative degree programmes at Hereford College of Arts. We are also excited about the way that student and staff artwork will help make this building an inspirational gateway to the city and represent our city's great creative heritage and future."

"We believe that collaboration between HCA, NMiTE and Herefordshire Council will help promote Hereford across the UK and beyond as a centre for exceptional specialist education."

The public has until November 22 to submit their comments on the plans.