Exeter's Former Police Station Could Become Flats

Exeter's former police station could become a major student accommodation and co-living development, and plans are being recommended for approval next week.

The development site is located on Heavitree Road within close proximity to the University of Exeter's campus, St Luke's.

Student Roost and Nixon Homes are behind the mixed-use scheme, which will contain a total of over 1,000 rooms.

The co-living section of the scheme will comprise 358 self-contained units in a separate block, with the rest of the rooms aimed at the student population of the city.

Although no on-site parking will be provided, plans are to include over 500 spaces for bicycles.

Planning officers have commented saying the development will "deliver a number of substantial economic, social and environmentally sustainable benefits" such as by providing accommodation "likely to be in the price range of young people who can't obtain a mortgage."

Over 100 objections from the public, and no comments in favour, have been received so far.

Amongst the reasons are comments that Exeter is "overwhelmed" with high-rise student blocks and that the site should be used as council housing instead.

One member commented: "As we have so much student accommodation in Exeter, not least the three massive buildings around the bus station, I wonder why exactly we need another [677] student units."

Others question the reality of a car-free development, referring to the potential impact on nearby street parking.

Exeter City Council's planning committee will consider the application on Monday 5th September.