Massive Exeter student flats block would ‘tower over homes’

A huge new building containing nearly 300 purpose-built flats for Exeter University students could get the go-ahead next week.

The 10-storey building will go up on the site of the city’s current JobCentre at Clarendon House on Western Way if the city council’s planning committee gives it the green light. The current building on the site is five storeys high.
Only 19 comments have been lodged on the council’s website, but 17 of them are objections.
One says ‘The supposed gateway to the city becomes a claustrophobic and cold apology’ and goes on to describe the building as a ‘bland, overbearing monstrosity’.
Another says: “It is far too large and would tower over the neighbouring listed terraces on Heavitree Road.” And another notes: “It is not required as current student accommodation is under-occupied. The city needs homes for people living in Exeter.”
Manchester-based Zinc Real Estate is the developer behind the proposal for the building in the ‘East Gate’ area which has had a long planning history.
Zinc Real Estate initially shared proposed plans in December 2023 to demolish Clarendon House and build a 16-storey student block offering 350 beds.
Following feedback, a revised scheme cut the number of student rooms to 300, and reduced the highest part of the building to 10 storeys. At the time, it was confirmed that following the latest consultation, a full planning application would be submitted to Exeter City Council in early 2025.
The developers say: “The area is seeing significant regeneration, with the new leisure centre and bus station acting as catalysts, and the site is deemed ideal for purpose-built student accommodation.
“The existing building is no longer fit for purpose.The site will provide high-quality accommodation that meets the needs of future residents.”
Zinc has delivered similar schemes in London and the Netherlands
The proposed building, which would have 297 apartments, would include community and commercial units at ground floor level. It would have parking for 178 bicycles, with accommodation including small ‘cluster bedrooms’ and larger studios with communal facilities.
Zinc Real Estate is said to have looked at all options for the site, one of which was to convert it for residential use, but it favoured the purpose-built student accommodation route.
The building has been used for offices since it was granted planning permission in March 1964.
Exeter Job Centre has occupied the building since 1969. It has been earmarked for redevelopment within the draft Exeter Local Plan.
A report to the planning committee recommends that councillors agree to the proposal, with the backstop of turning it down if a Section 106 package of support for the local community is not delivered on time.
The report goes on: “The proposed use as purpose-built student accommodation is considered acceptable in this highly accessible location, and will make efficient use of this city centre gateway site.
“The site is considered to be an appropriate site for a taller building, taking into account the surrounding topography and other buildings in the vicinity. The height of the building has been significantly reduced as a result of pre-application engagement with the developers.”