DEVELOPERS have formally submitted plans to replace an unused pub with almost 200 student flats after residents complained about the area’s increased “studentification”.

The planning application was submitted by developer CKC Properties, seeking permission to build new student rooms on the site of The Lectern in Lewes Road, Brighton, which has been out of use for two years.

Residents living nearby who are part of the Coombe Road Local Action Team (LAT) raised concerns about the planned £42 million conversion and the University of Brighton’s £150 million plans to develop Preston Barracks into student accommodation.

Coombe Road LAT chairwoman Rebecca Barkaway questioned whether the Lewes Road area needed any more student accommodation, saying it was already being heavily populated by students.

Nick Scott, development director at CKC Properties, said: “Our plan is focused on providing for students who need quality accommodation and at the same time relieving pressure on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

“We held two public consultations last month and considering it was public there was not a rush of people who attended, with maybe 30 or 40 responses.

“Brighton will come under more pressure to provide proper living spaces for people.

“By providing more student accommodation in the area we are also freeing up more houses to be used by families that would perhaps have been rented to students.

“We had two planning meeting with the officers in charge and have also presented the revised plans to the planning committee.”

Coombe Road LAT members also warned the plans would trigger the loss of more community facilities in an area highly saturated with purpose-built student accommodation.

CKC Properties is looking to get Brighton and Hove City Council’s approval for a building which will contain 189 student properties, a one-bedroom residential unit and four two-bedroom units.

The proposed building’s staggered height would provide the ability to build external spaces for students.

CKC Properties is acting on behalf of New Leaf investments and Burlington properties, which are behind The Lectern proposals.

Also included in the plans is a shared community hub, communal student facilities and cycle storage for use by residents.

In January last year the pub was being used as a squat.

Police were called to it after disorder broke out.