Large Scale Shared Living (Co living) – Informal Planning Guidance

Co-living is a purpose-built, professionally managed form of residential accommodation, usually comprising fifty or more bedspaces. Residents have their own private studios or bedrooms, alongside access to extensive shared facilities such as lounges, kitchens, co-working areas and gyms.

It is a distinct form of accommodation, meaning it sits outside traditional housing, HMOs, student accommodation and hotels. Typically, it appeals to young professionals, graduates and key workers seeking flexible urban living arrangements.

The key reason for providing this guidance is that co-living was not specifically covered within either national planning policy or Nottingham's adopted Local Plan. Without guidance, decisions risk being inconsistent. The IPG explains how existing policies relating to housing, design, amenity and infrastructure should be applied. It is important to note that this is guidance rather than policy; it is a material consideration that supports consistent decision-making.

Consultation undertaken

Before adoption, the draft guidance was subject to public consultation between March and April 2026. We received forty-seven representations from a broad range of stakeholders, including residents, developers, architects, student representatives, statutory consultees and elected members. Engagement included an online survey, direct correspondence and targeted outreach to national co-living operators. This process provided valuable feedback that helped refine the guidance before adoption

Details of the consultation can be viewed in the Report of Consultation:

Co Living IPG Report of Consultation

The guidance sets out the key standards and expectations for the design, operation and management of co-living developments. It provides clear benchmarks for the size and quality of accommodation, including a minimum studio size of 25 square metres, requirements for communal amenity space, and expectations for outdoor amenity provision. Schemes are also expected to demonstrate compliance with accessibility standards and provide detailed accommodation schedules as part of the planning process.

In addition to physical design standards, the guidance emphasises the importance of creating well-managed and sustainable communities. Co-living developments should be located in accessible areas, preferably within the city centre or close to major public transport routes. The guidance requires meaningful communal facilities that support resident interaction and wellbeing, while also setting expectations for robust management arrangements, including on-site staffing, security measures, resident support and procedures for dealing with anti-social behaviour.

The guidance also explains the Council’s approach to proposals that seek to convert existing Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) into co-living developments. It makes clear that simple rebranding is unlikely to be acceptable and that converted schemes will generally need significant alterations to meet co-living standards. Any conversion proposal is expected to provide the same quality of accommodation, amenity space and management arrangements as a purpose-built co-living scheme, while ensuring suitable living conditions for all residents.

Large Scale Shared Living Accommodation (Co Living) IPG Document

Please contact the Planning Policy Team using the email address localplan@nottinghamcity.gov.uk if you have any queries or would like more information. If you would like to speak to an officer on the phone, please email with your phone number and we will contact you in the first instance.