A huge student accommodation block will be built in Westwood Heath despite an outcry from locals.

The 544-bed building got the go-ahead after government planning chiefs overturned a decision by the council last week (8 March).

It means an office in Westwood Business Park will be knocked down and the block, six storeys at its highest point, will be built in its place.

More than 80 residents objected to the scheme last year and councillors voted against the plans by five to two, against a recommendation by officers to approve it.

But developer Gilltown appealed and a government official has now found in their favour.

In his report on the decision, the planning inspector said the development would not harm people's living conditions.

He did conclude it would have some negative effect on the character and look of the local area. But he said other important reasons show it should get the go-ahead.

An office at Westwood Business Park will be demolished to make way for the accommodation block (image via planning application)

These include how it would help meet Coventry's housing shortage and redevelop brownfield land. He also found there is enough need for the scheme, referring to the "limited" purpose-built student rooms near the University of Warwick.

Council policy also highlights problems with high numbers of HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy) in the city, many of which are used by students – and the scheme would aim to tackle this, he said.

Another factor is benefits to the area's businesses and facilities from the student population, though this was less crucial in the decision.

His report on how the block would affect the area did admit it would have a "moderate" negative affect, pointing to its "bulky design" and effect on some viewpoints. But he concluded that it "would not be imposing" on people living in homes nearby.

And due to large separation distances from the tallest points and trees to provide screening, it would not hurt people's living conditions in nearby homes, he found.