92 new flats to be built in Exeter

Planning permission granted for Vaughan Road, Pinhoe.

The apartments would be arranged in three and four storey blocks round the perimeter of the site, with a communal garden and play area at its centre.

The scheme includes 33 one bed units and 59 two bed units, with 8 of these unit being to a wheelchair accessible design, and Exeter City Council’s planning committee on Monday night were told that 60 of the 92 flats would be affordable.

Officers had recommended that the Exeter City Living Ltd application be approved, and councillors voted by nine voters to three abstentions to give it the go ahead.

Recommending approval, planning officers said that the existing sheltered housing facilities are partially vacant and are considered to represent an underdevelopment of the site.

They added: “As a windfall site, and mindful of the position regarding a five year housing supply, the opportunity to provide a sustainable housing scheme in an area which is well served by public transport and is in close proximity to local shops, facilities, park and schools is welcomed. This is a sustainable scheme that makes better us of the site than it currently does.

“There is no objection to demolition of the dwellings on the site for residential development with a net gain in residential accommodation.”

Calling for the plans to be approved, Cllr Rachel Sutton said that this was doing what the community wanted. She added: “The existing buildings on the site don’t contribute positively and are not a good use of the land.”

Cllr Emma Morse added: “This will rejuvenate the part of the city. I welcome the affordable housing and a well-designed piece in my community.”