RESIDENTS have lost their battle to stop the University of Liverpool from getting permission to build a nine-storey £40m eco-halls of residence in the city centre’s Georgian quarter.

The university scheme has caused uproar in the community living around the campus.

Yesterday, the city council’s planning committee approved the plans, but only with the chairman Dave Irving’s casting vote, after three voted in favour and three against.

The committee had previously said it was minded to refuse the plans that will now see 700 students housed in a new development in Grove Street.

The casting vote was necessary after two Liberal Democrat councillors abstained.

Last night, residents hit out at the committee, accusing it of raising people’s hopes and then letting them down.

Steve Dickson, estates manager for the university, said the scheme was vital for the university to be able to continue to attract students as much of its stock of accommodation did not provide en suite facilities.

He told the committee: “Refusal of this application will have a considerable impact on the university’s ability to meet its strategic aims and in particular attract students.”

A spokesman for Minster Court residents’ association, said the development would have a “huge impact” on those living nearby.

She said the local community and the planning committee should be allowed to study the university’s masterplan for development in the area before deciding on the application.