NEIGHBOURS fighting plans for new student accommodation say the four-storey building would look like ‘a prison block.’

The plan is for 71 rooms, divided into 55 cluster beds and 16 studio apartments, at Brighton University’s Falmer campus.

The planning application was submitted by Manchester-based architects Fletcher-Rae, and the building, if approved, will be at Falmer Cottages in Station Approach, Falmer.

But some residents are unhappy, worried about pollution and extra traffic.

One neighbour, who has not been identified, said: “Having lived in Station Approach for 18 years, I have experienced late night loud noise from revellers walking across the station car park to Brighton University and re-entering Stanmer Court from the bars of Sussex University.

“We would be exposed to much more noise.

“I think the design is poor, it looks like a prison block and does not fit in with the Victorian railway station and its cottages.

“A complete eyesore. Additional traffic would be considered unsafe especially with the nearby football stadium.

“The traffic is terrible already, this would make it impossible.”

Another neighbour, who is also not named, said: “The construction of the (albeit, much needed) student accommodation will result in over-development of the site and destroy the character of the area.

“We will have an increase in traffic and noise to deal with.”

Developers argue this will be an ideal location for students because it is close to two universities, the community stadium, the A27, train station and South Downs National Park.

Andrew Rae, co-founder of Fletcher-Rae, said: “Falmer Cottages is a new-build responding to the increasing demand for student accommodation in the area, while being aware of the surrounding context.

“With the building’s position adjacent to the Falmer campus of the University of Brighton, it is exceptionally well positioned for students studying in the area.”

It is the second planning application submitted for here.

Mr Rae said: “This application is a modification of plans submitted a year ago based on a series of consultation meetings with Brighton and Hove City Council.

“This scheme reduces the footprint and height of the building to create a more sustainable development.

“The scale and massing of the building have been adjusted from an L shape design to a rectangular building, matching the neighbouring Stanmer Court complex.”