The developer of a new block of 39 student flats near Plymouth University has been allowed to fit an external fire escape because the original building design failed to meet fire safety rules.

Councillors were told that building regulations meant the block had to have a “secondary means of escape” but the original design only had one internal staircase.

The solution put forward by the developer was to fit an external fire escape on the east side of the four-storey block to be built at 47A North Road East, known as Reservoir Court.

Councillors raised concerns about noise and disruption from use of the spiral staircase which was to be enclosed by aluminium panels with gaps in a "louvre" design.

Labour councillor Jonny Morris came up with a proposal to approve the changes to the building with stronger conditions covering the management and use of the fire escape.

Members of the planning committee tied at six for and six against, but the proposal was carried with the casting vote of Labour chair Bill Stevens.

Councillors gave authority to the director of planning to refuse permission if there is no agreement on how to restrict the use of the new stairway to emergencies only.

That was designed to satisfy concerns raised by councillors about the impact  of noise and disruption on neighbours if students used it regularly including to access the building.

The block itself was refused by Plymouth City Council planners in September 2015 but later allowed by an inspector after an appeal.

The plot in North Road East earmarked for student flats is behind this wall
The plot in North Road East earmarked for student flats is behind this wall

Councillors were told the site had been sold on twice since planning permission was granted.

The former office building for insurance company Jelf has now been demolished and the site cleared prepared for the start of construction.

The new developer Hermes Great Estate Ltd put in an application for a series of changes including the new fire escape which came before planners.

They included minor changes to the design including the location of windows and altering the internal layout including new mini-lobbies for the fire escape.

A report to the committee said planning officers did not consider the fire escape would have a negative impact on neighbours.

Officers had negotiated the removal of a proposed six extra windows on the third floor overlooking the street due to concerns about the potential impact on Trevi House opposite, a residential rehabilitation centre for mothers recovering from substance misuse, accompanied by their children.

Overall there was a reduction in the number of windows and officers considered the alterations were acceptable.

There were 21 objections to the changes, including about the effect of the building on neighbours.

One described the fire escape as ugly and argued it would increase the size of the building which was “out-of-character” for the area.

The developers have been allowed to fit an external fire escape
The developers have been allowed to fit an external fire escape

Drake ward Labour councillor Chaz Singh spoke against the application, saying local residents had been raising concerns for more than three years about the building's size and ugliness.

She said the team worked hard to create a safe environment for women who were vulnerable but that was under threat.

Ms Sheed said the late addition of an external fire escape show a lack of concern for health and safety.

Planning consultant Faye Stewart, on behalf of the applicant, said the request was for minor amendments, including to comply with building regulations relating to fire safety.

She said the design changes did not alter the main form, mass or scale of the building and the proposal would bring significant benefits to the community.

Councillors at the meeting of the city council's planning committee on Friday were reminded by head of development management Peter Ford they could only decide on the application for alterations.

The building had been permitted by the inspector on appeal and that decision could not be changed.