Student Housing Plans By Historic Exeter Houses
New student housing next to Exeter’s reputedly oldest and famous homes could be given the go ahead.
Eagle Yard in Tudor Street, an area of land in the heart of the city centre between well-known Tudor House, and Eagle House, both listed buildings, is awaiting approval to be turned into 21 studio flats …
The plans have been revised a number of times because of objections, including from English Heritage.
Commenting on the original plans by Eagle Properties to build 12 cluster flats in two separate blocks, creating 34 bedrooms in total, English Heritage said, “It makes no attempt to incorporate existing historic fabric on the site and is severely let down by the absence of quality or any attempt to reflect the character of the conservation area or to enhance it”.
When revised plans were submitted last October, it said they were still not acceptable and it “harmed the setting of nearby heritage assets”.
Comments on the latest revised plans are waiting to be received.
The owners of the Tudor House, like English Heritage, think the plans should blend more sympathetically with the history of the house.
The site, which will see the demolition of 16 sheltered flats, is located within the Riverside Conservation Area.
Its redesign have included using traditional pitched roofs, slate hanging to finish parts of the building and reduced footprint for the detached new build element. The student accommodation will be largely car free with a total of three parking spaces on site, one which will be for disabled users.
Access to the new homes will be gained through an existing archway under the buildings fronting Tudor Street, as is the case currently.
The application has been recommended for approval at Exeter City Council’s next planning meeting on February 2.