From Sorry Head to student beds

But former pub won't be demolished

An Exeter pub building is set to be saved as part of a bid for more student flats in the city.

Plans lodged in June last year would have seen the closed Sorry Head and a former MOT servicing centre bulldozed to make way for a four-storey, 88-bed accommodation complex with a shop or café on the ground floor.

But following concerns about the scheme, developer Urban Centric revised the scheme and the overall number of bedspaces has been reduced from 88 to 72, and the closed pub will no longer be demolished.

Instead, the revised scheme for Blackboy Road seeks to incorporate the former pub into the new commercial and student development, and when Exeter City Council planners meet on Monday, February 10, they are recommended to grant planning permission.

The report of planning officers says: “The application represents an opportunity to redevelop an underused site which in part presents a negative impression within the conservation area. The principle of both retail and student use in this location is considered acceptable and would accord with the local plan policies.

“The retention and renovation of the Sorry Head public house was an important and necessary change from the original submission. It is considered that this has informed the resultant frontage design and the creation of three distinct units does represent an appropriate approach to elevating the streetscene in this location.”

Statements with their application added that the scheme would benefit the area, bringing “fresh and exciting” architecture and new shoppers and diners in a multi-million pound investment.They explained: “The introduction of students into the area will be beneficial bringing their spending power to the adjacent Sidwell Street businesses, and local community. The increased footfall along Blackboy Road and to the building in general, along with the introduction of habitable rooms overlooking the footway, will improve natural surveillance and public safety.”

The student flats plans for the Sorry Head and just one of a number of applications that councillors at the meeting will consider.
A proposals from Exeter City Living Ltd for the demolition of the existing buildings of Whipton Barton House on Vaughan Road to be replaced by 92 apartments is also recommended for approval. 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.

Recommending approval, the report explains that the existing sheltered housing facilities are partially vacant and are considered to represent an underdevelopment of the site. It adds: “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.