| This thesis is an examination of the relationship between the provision of student accommodation and the town and country planning system. The main intention of this study is to consider how student accommodation is dealt with in terms of both planning policy and practice. It attempts to examine in detail the experiences and interrelationships of three key actors involved in this process, namely, local planning authorities, university accommodation officers and student unions. An extensive review of the literature associated with this subject produced from 1960 onwards, provides the starting point for the formulation of a number of research questions to be addressed. The primary research involved all three groups associated with all of the universities in London and the South East; being surveyed by means of a postal questionnaire, which sought both factual information and their opinions. A comparative analysis of their responses was undertaken where all three groups associated with a particular university had replied. The thesis concludes by summarising the research findings in response to the established research questions and puts forward a number of recommendations for both planning policy and practice. The overall recommendation calls for an improvement in the working relationships and consultation procedures between the three groups so that they can develop a fuller understanding of each others objectives, with regards to providing suitable accommodation for an increasing student population. |
