Exeter City Council has taken an important step forward in addressing the local housing demand by approving plans for a substantial new development on Heavitree Road. This project is set to deliver more than 800 units, specifically designed for students and co-living, which has sparked a variety of responses from local residents, heritage organisations, and businesses. Developed collaboratively by NCO (Seven) Limited and Nixon Homes, the scheme will feature 399 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) units alongside 414 co-living studios across seven blocks, each rising up to six storeys.
Planning Approval Secured
The chosen site, which previously housed a police station and magistrates’ court, has remained unused since 2021. The approved plans include a provision for 448 bicycle parking spaces, four disabled parking bays, and a commitment that 20 per cent of the co-living units will be allocated as affordable housing. This will ensure that a portion of the new units is offered at discounted rents, with eligibility criteria determined by the council. An Exeter City Council representative stated that the development “helps reduce pressure on Exeter’s conventional housing stock and contributes to housing supply in a sustainable central location.” Furthermore, the proposal aligns with the Exeter Plan, which prioritises growth on previously developed land close to the city centre.
Community Responses and Concerns
The announcement has received mixed reactions from the local community. Some residents have expressed support for the project, appreciating the revitalisation of the derelict site. Sarah Collins, a resident of Gladstone Road located opposite the development, articulated her mixed feelings, stating she was “glad to see the derelict site being used again, but 800 units feels like a lot for such a tight area.” Her sentiments were echoed by James Patel, another local resident, who voiced concerns regarding potential increases in traffic and noise, remarking, “I just hope the infrastructure can cope with so many new people moving in.”
Conversely, others, such as Laura Greene from Heavitree, acknowledged the potential benefits for local businesses while emphasising the need for careful monitoring of traffic and parking impacts.
Heritage Considerations
Heritage groups, including the Exeter Civic Society, have also raised important concerns regarding the scale of the buildings and their impact on nearby historically significant sites, such as the locally listed St Luke’s College campus. The society has argued that, while the redevelopment is welcome, the proposed design may overshadow the character of the surrounding area. Following a previous rejection in 2023, the architects from brown + company collaborated with landscape designers Oobe to modify the scheme. Their redesigned proposal notably breaks the development into smaller blocks, reducing the overall massing of the buildings and incorporating landscaping and outdoor communal spaces to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the area.
Developer’s Vision and Market Implications
The co-living units are designed to include shared amenities such as kitchen-diners, lounges, workspaces, and courtyards, while the PBSA studios will vary in size from 17.5 to 27 square metres. Council officers have noted that the communal areas exceed minimum national standards, and the presence of professional management and 24-hour staff will help keep noise and disturbances to a minimum for neighbouring residents. Both NCO (Seven) and Nixon Homes are optimistic about the project, highlighting its significance as a key development within their wider portfolio. Nixon Homes, a family-run developer with expertise in residential and PBSA projects throughout the UK, alongside NCO (Seven), has expressed that this development will contribute significantly to the regeneration of the city centre and promote sustainable living. While financial specifics, including profit margins, have not been disclosed, the anticipated start of construction later this year marks a milestone for the local property market.
The planning officers’ recommendation for approval underlines the anticipated benefits of the redevelopment, including the transformation of a brownfield site, the introduction of affordable co-living units, and enhanced sustainable transport options for residents.