1,250 new student rooms planned at Exeter University

Buildings will be on main campus

Major plans for more student flats to be built on the University of Exeter campus are being recommended for approval.

The plans for the development of the Clydesdale, Nash and Birks Grange Village halls of residence site off Stocker Road, which could deliver an additional 1,250 bedrooms, have the backing of Exeter City Council's planning officers.

The existing Clydesdale and Nash Grove accommodation buildings – built in the late 1980s and early 1990s – would be demolished to be replaced by new student buildings ranging in height from three to eight storeys. Shops, cafés and other facilities are to be provided on the ground floor of some of the buildings.

The existing Birks Grange refectory building would also be demolished and replaced with a new six-storey accommodation building, with social and amenity space on the ground floor.

At the existing Birks Grange Village Student residences, the accommodation blocks would be refurbished to Passivhaus standards and changing from catered halls to self-catering by introducing kitchens in each flat.

The Estate Services Centre Estate Services Centre would be replaced with new three and four storey student accommodation buildings, with separate plans to relocate the existing Estate Services Centre to Rennes Drive.

A net increase of between approximately 1,200 to 1,250 student bedrooms on the campus would be delivered, although the precise number is not for determination at this stage.

Planning officers say the proposal complies with the development plan policies. Their report adds: “Given the recent number of student accommodation schemes submitted in off-campus locations, the proposal for such a significant number of bed spaces within a sustainable location on campus is to be welcomed."

It adds: “The proposed building heights to accommodate this would have a considerable impact on the character and appearance of the area, however, it is an accepted planning practice that where development is considered acceptable in principle, most efficient use of the land should be sought.

When the application was submitted in December 2020, a statement with the scheme added: “High quality accommodation also maintains that ability of the university to attract the highest calibre of students to Exeter. This improves the spending of students within the city economy during the duration of their course. Studies have shown that students often stay in university locations after their studies, boosting the local economy further and increasing the supply of qualified, skilled professionals in the area.

“The proposed development would result in a number of social benefits for students and the city. Campus based accommodation provides benefits in terms of social experience and wellbeing, especially for first year students leaving home for the first time. The quality of accommodation and ancillary facilities would also be improved though the demolition of the existing outdated residences.

“Increasing campus-based accommodation also reduces pressure on the need for homes to be converted to houses in multiple occupations From a social perspective, campus-based accommodation is the right place for students and for surrounding residential communities.

“In addition to the social benefits of campus-based student accommodation, the application site is also highly sustainable in terms of its location. Students residing within the development will be a short walk from academic and ancillary buildings within the campus.

The scheme has attracted objections from residents across the city, including on the grounds that there are too many students already in Exeter, the buildings will be too tall and overbearing, there has been a lack of regard to amenity of neighbours, an overconcentration of students in one area, and the detrimental visual impact of the area.

Exeter City Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the plans on 27 May.