Exeter hotel set to become retirement complex

62 properties likely on Buckerell Lodge site

A famous former Exeter hotel could be knocked down and turned into retirement apartments, but the plan faces opposition.

The historic Buckerell Lodge on Topsham Road, which had 54 en-suite rooms and was also a well-known wedding venue, is now closed.

Developer McCarthy Stone now wants to demolish the existing buildings and construct a retirement complex with 62 apartments and associated facilities. The plan will be considered by Exeter City Council’s planning committee next week.

The firm’s previous application for the site failed at the start of last year, with reasons for refusal including that it was an “unduly large, unsympathetic and poorly designed form of development,” along with causing an “unnecessary” loss of protected trees and no contribution towards affordable housing.

An updated planning application seeks to demolish the existing building and construct a three-storey U-shaped building comprising 23 two-bed apartments and 39 one-bedroom apartments, with a communal lounge on the ground floor.

Utilising the existing access from Topsham Road, the plan also includes a proposed car park with 40 spaces, including two accessible parking spaces and an electric buggy store.

The application has been referred to the planning committee because it has received a significant number of objections. Of the 32 public comments, 27 are against with two in support and three neutral responses.

Those against the plan say it would be “overdevelopment,” with a potential impact on existing trees and wildlife. Other criticisms include that the new apartments would lack character, be “overbearing,” and would lead to “overlooking”.

Those in favour claim the proposed use and design are “appropriate,” will free up bigger houses in the area and have no impact on traffic.

Recommending approval, a planning officer report states: “The proposal is considered to be a sustainable development when balancing the development plan policies.”

In a supporting document, McCarthy Stone states: “The site has recently become vacant and it was felt prudent to provide much needed independent accommodation for the ageing populations of Exeter in a desirable location close to the centre.

“It is proposed that the retirement living accommodation would be situated close to the existing building’s footprint, making best use of and enhancing the existing mature trees and planting on site, building upon the existing building’s natural and screened setting.

Exeter City Council’s planning committee will decide on the application on Monday [16 January].

The application is one of three on the agenda for the meeting. Councillors also due to consider plans for up to 350 new homes at St Bridget Nursery on Old Rydon Lane and new student accommodation on Howell Road.