Why do you feel this way and do you have any other comments?

The loss of a sports facility is regretful and a similar facility should be provided elsewhere in the city. If this is possible, and despite the site being ideal for student accommodation, we do hope that ordinary residential accommodation can be built to support the council’s target for such accommodation.

Why do you feel this way and do you have any other comments?

The proposed site allocation is within Longbrook Conservation Area – does the proposed capacity of 40 homes take account of the need to conserve and enhance the character of the conservation area (i.e. development of up to 5 storeys referred to in the evidence base)? An HIA is recommended to inform policy criteria.

Why do you feel this way and do you have any other comments?

We support the allocation of the Exeter Squash Club, Prince of Wales Road for 40 dwellings (site 26). It is a brownfield site in a sustainable location and offers the opportunity to provide housing and improved recreational facilities in the City, which are objectives consistent with the Council’s spatial strategy. The site is deliverable within the Plan period to 2040. A draft development scheme for the site has been drawn up by the landowner which makes provision for 40 dwellings, with retention of the squash club use in modern facilities. The current lessee of the squash club has no objection to the proposed allocation, and attached to the Supplementary Statement is a letter from Devon & Exeter Squash & Racketball Club. The proposed allocation for the Squash Club site is for self-contained, purpose-built student housing. The Planning Practice Guidance: Housing Supply and Delivery, confirms at paragraph 034 that such housing can form part of the Council’s housing supply. Exeter, in line with other local planning authority with significant student populations, count purpose-built student housing as part of their supply. This site has been submitted to the Council in previous consultations for the Local Plan in September 2021 and September 2022. This has included information relating to how the site may be developed within the timeframe of the Local Plan: key matters in this are the single ownership of the site, the current lease on the site to the Squash Club expiring within the timeframe of the Plan (and a break clause in that lease too), and an acceptance of the landowner that the current poor condition of the building means it is inevitable the site must be redeveloped at some time in the near future. These matters are set out again in the attached Supplementary Statement to this Policy, which also comments in relation to responses made to the September 2022 consultation.

How do you feel about the site at Land at Exeter Squash Club?

Dissatisfied

Why do you feel this way and do you have any other comments?

Where are people going to play squash?

How do you feel about the site at Land at Exeter Squash Club?

Unhappy

Why do you feel this way and do you have any other comments?

Development on any site within St James must have regard for the Neighbourhood Plan and the vision of the community. Further development in this sensitive heritage area would require an equally sensitive and sympathetic proposal.