Number of affordable homes in major scheme reduced

The number of affordable homes that will need to be built as part of a major development in Exeter has been reduced.

A developer received planning permission last December to build more than 800 studios and student flats on the old police station and magistrates' court site on Heavitree Road.

The original agreement was on the condition that 83 affordable homes would be delivered.

But Exeter City Council members agreed on Monday to a request from the developer, NCO (Seven) Limited, to cut that number to 60 or 61 affordable homes as it involves the development of a brownfield site.

The report for the council's planning committee said the developer had not previously asked for a reduced level of affordable housing to allow for vacant building credit (VBC) - a national policy to support the re-use of brownfield land.

During the meeting the chairman of the committee, Paul Knott said when deciding the original application the promise of 83 affordable homes had been "what tilted that balance towards making this acceptable".

But Knott said he had heard "sufficient reassurance" that the figure of 83 affordable homes was "untenable" and would be reduced to 61 if the matter went to appeal.

Planning committee members voted unanimously to accept the new figure.

Permission was given in December for a total of 399 student flats and 414 co-living studios on the site which is owned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

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