Planning application goes in for luxury student flats at Exeter’s Renslade House site

Details for an £18m pound investment on the Renslade site off Bonhay Road, for 387 high quality student flats have been revealed.A planning application has been lodged with Exeter City Council that will see the retention of the existing central office block which will be refurbished and brought up to modern day office standards.The existing podiums around the main block will be demolished to make way for state of the art new build student accommodation specifically designed to a standard to meet the exacting requirements of the post graduate and international market.The submission follows months of consultation and discussion which has resulted in a proposal that takes into account the historic nature of the City and enhances the setting of Tudor House on Tudor Street with the introduction of street level planting, seating and a more pedestrian friendly environment.Vehicle movement in and out of the city will be improved for the existing office element but restricted for student users with an emphasis on walking, cycling and public transport.Priority given to on-site and personal security and also supervision to ensure the users of the complex respect those working and living around the site.The student accommodation market now has an international dimension and accommodation in the City will be judged against standards set by other growing International Cities. This proposal will allow Exeter to compete with the best.Once registered with Exeter City Council there will be a statutory period of wide public consultation on the proposals with the application being determined within 13 weeks.