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Plans for student flats on site of building fire

Ben CarrEast Midlands
BBC A disused building site with debris on the ground and overgrown weeds. BBC
The former building was cleared after it had to be partially demolished

Developers want to build student accommodation in Leicester city centre on the site of a business that was badly damaged by fire.

Sixty firefighters tackled the blaze at Beauty Queens Cosmetics at 2 to 4 Belgrave Gate in October 2023.

The building had to be partially demolished and was subsequently cleared after the fire caused "extensive" damage, planning documents submitted to Leicester City Council said.

Now applicant BQC Properties Ltd wants to erect a five-storey building, which would consist of a ground-floor retail unit, basement storage and 23 self-contained studios for students.

A streetview of an empty gap between two buildings
The site used to be home to Beauty Queens Cosmetics

In 2023, the owner of the building told the BBC the fire was "heartbreaking".

Shops were evacuated on the busy street and one person was treated for smoke inhalation.

A consultation period for the application ends on 11 August.

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