THE University for the Creative Arts (UCA) has submitted formal plans for a new “state-of-the-art” student accommodation in Farnham to Waverley Borough Council.

The submission follows a period of public consultation, during which more than 220 visitors attended the university in March to review the proposals and offer feedback.

UCA is planning to provide 252 state-of-the-art bedrooms spread across five new buildings - two three-storey and three four-storey - as well as new communal spaces “to maintain and enhance its student experience”.

Currently, the university can only accommodate around 380 of its 700 first year students in this year’s intake. The proposal could see this figure rise to almost 600 students.

Deputy vice-chancellor of UCA Alan Cooke thanked all those who reviewed the UCA’s plans and offered feedback in March, adding: “Over the last few weeks, we have carefully considered all of the comments we received relating to the new student accommodation and look forward to continuing to work closely with the Farnham community and Waverley Borough Council on the next phase of the project.”

Professor Bashir Makhoul, vice-chancellor of UCA, added: “UCA is incredibly proud to have been part of the Farnham community for the past 150 years, during which time both the university and the town have experienced many changes, including the growth and development of their strong creative reputations.

“Enhancing UCA’s facilities plays an important role in maintaining our reputation as the leading university for the creative industries, and in continuing to attract talented students and staff to both UCA and the Farnham community.”

UCA’s application, for the erection of five buildings to provide approximately 7,200 square metres of floor space together with internal access car parking, lighting, landscaping and associated works, can be viewed and commented upon online at www.waverley.gov.uk/planning by searching for reference WA/2018/0830.

Waverley has set a target date of July 30 to determine the application.

A separate application (DM/2018/0002) concerns the demolition of the UCA’s main hall to make way for the new buildings.

More information on the project is also available at www.uca-farnham-srp.co.uk.