On behalf of Nixon Property , DPP have secured planning approval for the redevelopment of a vacant site on Heavitree Road, Exeter for the creation of 399 purpose built student studios and 414 co-living apartments.
Exeter City Council’s Planning Committee has resolved to grant planning permission, subject to completion of a Section 106 agreement, for the redevelopment of the former Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Police Station and Central Devon Magistrates’ Court site on Heavitree Road, Exeter.
DPP led the planning strategy for the creation of a new mixed community delivering a total of 813 high‑quality homes. The landmark scheme, designed by brown + company, will transform one of the city’s most prominent brownfield sites. The scheme will replace a long‑vacant and deteriorating building with a modern, vibrant community for students and young people designed around sustainable living, high-quality architecture, and enhanced public realm.
The approval follows the previous rejection at appeal in January 2024 of a scheme for 964 units which the Inspector considered out of keeping with the surrounding area. Since the refusal, DPP have worked with Nixon and brown + company to develop a scheme which was supported by the local planning authority as representing a high-quality addition to the city. As a result, after extensive discussions with the local planning authority, the proposals were unanimously approved by Committee Members.
Gareth Hooper, CEO at DPP Planning said:
We are delighted that the Planning Committee has supported this transformative redevelopment of a prominent brownfield site in Exeter. Having led the planning strategy for the site since 2020 and been hugely disappointed by the previous rejection of the proposals by Members, I am delighted that our hard work with the applicant and the fresh approach to the site created by brown + company has been recognized as a high-quality, sensitive, and sustainable scheme that responds positively to planning policy and local context. The decision represents an important step towards delivering much-needed homes for the city’s students and young professionals and will bring meaningful regeneration benefits to the city.
Image Credit: brown + company / Haze Viz
