Outline plans for a development of up to 980 dwellings with workspaces, retail and other facilities on an ex-industrial site between Water Lane and the railway embankment have been submitted to the city council for approval.
The application from developer Cilldara Group (Exeter) Ltd, part of a complex web of holding companies with property development interests across the UK and in Ireland, reserves all matters for future consideration except access.
The outline plans include between 900 and 980 dwellings and 36-40,000m2 of other uses that are expected to include student accommodation, an Exeter College faculty building and a hotel.
A large electricity substation will be retained on the site, part of which fronts on to Exeter Ship Canal, where a new bridge aligned with the existing pedestrian railway underpass may be built.
Buildings are expected to range in height from five to twelve storeys, with some greenspace and public realm provided. Residential car parking spaces are to be limited to around 300.
Water Lane redevelopment illustrative layout. Image: Planning, Design, & Access Statement.
City council development director Ian Collinson has described the Water Lane area as “arguably the most exciting large scale brownfield regeneration opportunity in the city”. He has also said it would “exemplify the Liveable Exeter vision and set the benchmark for future development”.
In June the council agreed to use its compulsory purchase powers to acquire a block of four flats on the corner of Tan Lane and Water Lane and two nearby strips of land, and to dispose of part of its Exton Road recycling depot, to enable vehicle access to the site.
It is expected to propose a Supplementary Planning Document for the site at the beginning of October.
This would provide a development framework and design code to inform planning decision-making as detailed applications come forward for the development before the new Exeter Local Plan is adopted. Construction is expected to take at least ten years.
Comments on the outline proposals can be submitted via the city council website.
