Bus depot student scheme set for approval

The proposed redevelopment of the Stagecoach bus depot in Exeter into a student accommodation scheme providing more than 570 beds is set to be given the green light by councillors.Graduation (Exeter) lodged plans earlier this year covering the site between Belgrave Road and Bampfylde Street in Exeter’s Grecian Quarter.It intends to demolish the existing bus depot and construct a new building of between six and eight-and-a-half storeys. This would comprise 577 student bedrooms with 356 of these in cluster flats and 221 in studios.About 25,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space is included on the ground floor while student amenities including a café, games room, gym, laundry, study rooms, communal kitchens and reception will be provided. Storage for more than 300 bicycles is also included.A planning statement, prepared by Savills, has suggested that the scheme could support the creation of up to 1,022 full time equivalent jobs, as well as 1,764 indirect jobs, including those during the construction phase.It would also aid the city’s student population, which is projected to grow to about 22,000 by 2020/21.Last year, Stagecoach Devon secured planning consent to relocate its headquarters and depot in the city to a new site on the Marsh Barton Trading Estate.The application will be considered by Exeter City Council on 5 September 2016 and a report prepared ahead of the meeting has recommended that planning consent is granted.This is subject to conditions including a Section 106 agreement to secure financial contributions and a student management plan.