Flats for more than 140 students could be built on vacant offices.

Developers have presented plans to build the University of Brighton accommodation on Richmond House, off Lewes Road, Brighton.

They claim the 144 flats, which will include no space for car parking but 186 cycle spaces, will help move students out of family properties and ultimately help the city’s housing shortage.

Locals near the 0.16 hectare site on the corner of Richmond Road and D’Aubigny Road are now being asked for their views on the proposal, which has been submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council.

The application is from Matsim, the firm behind the stalled Hove Square redevelopment near Hove Station.

It said: “Richmond House is a large two storey building of no architectural merit which has been empty for a number of years.

“The building would be demolished to allow the redevelopment of the site.

“The new use would be more in keeping with the residential nature of the area.”

A decision is expected to be taken by mid-May. For more details visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/planning.

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