Summary:
- Exeter city councillors narrowly approved Zinc Real Estate’s plan to build a 10-storey, nearly 300-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) block on the former JobCentre site at Clarendon House, Western Way, aiming to address housing needs for Exeter University students.
- The development faced opposition over its scale and impact on the city’s heritage, with critics describing the building as overbearing and urging consideration of general housing; Historic England raised design concerns but did not formally object.
- The council highlighted the site’s strategic importance as a city centre gateway location suited for taller buildings, while proponents argued the PBSA would relieve pressure on local housing by reducing student occupancy in houses of multiple occupation.
Original article:
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/massive-exeter-student-flats-block-10805574
