Back-up plan for Exeter Job Centre flats
The future of Clarendon House - partly occupied by Exeter Jobcentre Plus - is back in the spotlight again following the submission of an application that proposes a very different 'back up' plan to what has recently been the subject of public consultations.
Developer Zinc Real Estate initially shared proposed plans in December 2023 to demolish Clarendon House, located in the city centre at the junction of Western Way and Heavitree Road, and build a 16 storeys high student block offering 350 beds.
Following feedback, a revised scheme that decreased the number of student rooms by 50 to 300, and reduced the highest part of the building to 10 storeys, was shared with the public last month. 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.
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Earlier this month, Zinc Real Estate submitted an application for the prior approval for change of use of the existing commercial building to 32 residential homes within the current space rather than demolishing the building. The proposal states they will include six studios, 15 one-bed units, and 11 two-bed units which will all meet or exceed National Space Standards.
However, it has been confirmed that the developers preference remains creating purpose-built student accommodation, and that an application for it will be submitted within the next couple of months.
A spokesperson for Zinc Real Estate said: "The client’s priority is the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme. This will be submitted in February/ March 2025. Discussions have continued with the Local Planning Authority and Historic England which have resulted in a considerable reduction in proposed height.
"The client has looked at all options for the site, one of which is the conversion of the existing building to residential, but their preference is the PBSA scheme."
The proposed scheme also includes 40 car parking spaces and 32 cycle spaces. 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. Clarendon House, situated opposite new leisure centre Sidwells Point and Exeter Bus Station is currently a five-storey building comprising of partly vacant office space. It has been earmarked for redevelopment within the draft Exeter Local Plan.
A covering letter from Rok Planning Ltd, sent on behalf of Chex Developments Ltd, c/o Zinc states the proposal meets key requirements , including not having any adverse transport impacts and adequate natural light for those who would live there.
To view the plans, please click here.