Scale & massing

The height of the development has been reduced. The previous design ranged in height between 16 and 6 storeys. The revised design provides accommodation in blocks ranging between 10 and 6 storeys, resulting in a reduction in the number of student beds from 350 to 300.

You said: "16 storeys is too high"

We did: The proposed height of the building overall has been reduced. The tallest element is now the same as The Depot and is lower than both John Lewis and Exeter Cathedral.

The building mass and form has been designed to step down in height to respond to the low rise surrounding buildings to meet the immediate context, This contextual approach has been developed and discussed with ECC’s Urban Design Officer and with input from Historic England.

This image shows two photographs of the view down Dunsford Road looking towards the cathedral. The left hand photograph shows the skyline impact of the originally proposed 16-storey scheme, with the top clearly visible to the right of the cathedral. The right hand photograph shows the impact of the revised scheme on the same view, where the proposed 10-storey building is not visible.

You said: "Is more student accommodation needed?"

We did: We believe there is sufficient justification for proposing this scheme. PBSA stock is currently failing to meet rising demand in Exeter, with only 42% of students catered for by existing PBSA schemes.

The number of students is increasing year on year which places a significant strain on the city’s residential housing stock. As such, the need for PBSA is recognised in ECC’s emerging local plan and ECC and the University have been supportive of PBSA in this location throughout the pre-application process.

Height comparison

Chart showing the height of the proposed development and how it compares to landmark buildings in the city, including Exeter Cathedral

Massing concept

This image shows the massing concept, with a sequence of six diagrams. It starts with the building footprint, adds height to the corner marking the end of Heavitree road, then steps down towards the listed terrace. Height is then added away from the terrace, marking the newly proposed Garden Lane, connecitng the triangle car park with Western Way. The form on this side also steps down towards the car park. Finally, a gap is created between the two blocks to artculate the form and silhouette.

Connectivity

Public realm

Ground floor uses

Design response

Sustainability

Have your say & next steps

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