Gateway apartment scheme set for green light

Plans for a housing development at a gateway location in Exeter look set to move forward after being recommended for approval.Eutopia Homes is seeking permission for construction of a part three, part five storey building containing 51 homes off Prince Charles Road.The development has been designed as a gateway to the main Exmouth Junction site to the west and follows the same architectural principles.Planning officers have recommended approval for the residential development ahead of a meeting this week.The proposal is a car-free scheme except one disabled parking space and one electric vehicle space.Forty-four external cycle parking spaces are included alongside storage space for 90 bikes. A small children’s play space will also be accessible off the courtyard.According to a report to be scrutinised by councillors, the extension to the Exmouth Junction development site will support the ambition of the city to be net-zero carbon by 2030 while the design and scale of the building are considered to be acceptable.The dwellings will also meet the national space standards, while all the flats have balconies except the one-beds. Planning officer say it should be explored with the developer to see if balconies can be provided for all units.The approval recommendation is subject to a section 106 legal agreement in relation to the affordable housing requirement and other contributions that have been requested.The main scheme secured a resolution to grant planning permission, subject to a s106 legal agreement, at a March 2021 planning committee.