STUDENT accommodation could be built in a town to boost university plans.

Burnley Council's executive board has approved a £9million proposal to develop student accommodation next to Sandygate Square in Burnley.

Work on the proposed 139-bed building will be carried out in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Barnfield Investment Properties, if the plans are approved at full council next month.

Chair of UCLan David Taylor said the development will be 'crucial' for encouraging students in East Lancashire to study with UCLan.

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Burnley council leader Mark Townsend said UCLan's expansion plans for Burnley will be the envy of other councils.

The Labour councillor said: "It is well documented that having a university campus helps a place to thrive.

"The evidence shows that universities have a positive social and economic impact on a local area.

"UCLan’s expansion plans for Burnley would be the envy of many other councils.

“The university has already made a significant investment in Victoria Mill and teaching resources in Burnley to deliver its growth.

"We want to maximise the ‘student pound’ and the economic benefits that students will bring, so the council has a role to play in making the town attractive to students. Good quality accommodation is crucial.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The proposal is thought to be located in the same place council bosses planned to build a luxury £10million apartment block with 130 'hotel suites' in 2014.

However the hotel plans have been scrapped and instead new plans have been created to form the next phase of the 'On the Banks' development.

A planning application setting out the design of the accommodation is expected in the coming weeks if the proposal is approved.

If the plans are granted, work on the development would begin in March 2019, with completion expected by Autumn 2020.

Bosses at UCLan said they expect student numbers to grow at the campus from 400 to 4,000 by 2025.

The chair of UCLan added: “Our aim is to provide students with a guarantee of value for money accommodation. Our partnership with Burnley Council will provide a safe, comfortable living environment and a vibrant, inclusive halls community."

Burnley's full council meeting will be held on December 19 from 6.30pm.