STUDENTS at the University of Westminster have hit out at plans to redevelop the Harrow campus.

Councillors gave permission for the university to replace its ageing buildings with a brand new media department and a café, but affected students say it's a waste of money.

Robert Gibbs, a second-year commercial music student at the university, said people on his course were angry at the timing of the plans.

He said: “The new student finance structure means the university will charge students far more money for fees and cut staff.

“So why does the university think it's a good idea to spend money on this? They would be better off improving what we already have and investing in better teaching, better ties with industry and better equipment.”

The university's proposal was given the green light by Brent Council's planning committee and the work will see the campus solely focussed on providing accommodation for the school of media, art and design, which has a high academic reputation.

According to estimates, the plans would see 45 of the current 295 staff cut, with full-time student numbers expected to fall by nearly 600 to 3,292.

Mr Gibbs, 24, added: “I think they're worried about the future and are expecting less students, so they're just doing the building work to stand out.”

Council officers praised the plans in their recommendation to councillors, saying that “the council welcomes the University of Westminster’s continuing commitment to Northwick Park and the enhancements to the local environment and visual amenity that will result from the proposed improvements to the campus.”

The University of Westminster was unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts by the Harrow Times to contact it.