Water Lane

Water Lane – Reference 15 (Strategic policy)

A site of 36 hectares at Water Lane is identified for a mixed-use development delivering approximately 1,600 homes and the retention of existing levels of employment floor-space in phases up to 2040. The development must support the achievement of net zero and accord with the Liveable Exeter Principles and the Water Lane Design Code Supplementary Planning Document to deliver a compact and well-connected neighbourhood, incorporating the highest standards of design. 

The following will be required: 

A. A housing mix built to optimal densities taking account of local context and the Exeter Density Study which meets a wide range of housing needs including: 

1. 35% affordable homes for eligible households with a local connection or key workers, of which 50% will be for social rent, 13% for affordable rent, 25% for First Homes with a discount of 30% on market prices and the remainder for additional affordable homeownership;
2. Custom and self-build plots;
3. At least 10% of market homes and 10% of affordable homes built to meet wheelchair adaptable standards and all other homes built to meet accessible and adaptable standards;
4. A range of dwelling sizes that takes account of local need; and
5. A 70 unit extra care housing scheme. 

B. A mix of new forms of employment provision to meet the needs of the transformational sectors, including work hubs, collaborative workspace and live-work schemes, together with maritime sectors. 

C. A locally accessible neighbourhood centre including: 

1. Public realm that provides space for community and cultural activities;
2. A community building with hall, meeting rooms and flexible space for potential library provision, youth, adult’s services, children’s services and cultural activities; 
3. New surgery providing GP, pharmacy and other community healthcare or contributions to GP provision;
4. Retail or commercial units with active ground floors accommodating local shops and services; 
5. A work hub;
6. A mobility hub;
7. A 2-form entry primary school including early years and communal space for children's centre service provision and contributions to secondary and special educational needs provision; and
8. Provision of additional space for water-related activities and safeguarding of the infrastructure needed to support strategic water-related uses.

D. Transport infrastructure to deliver a low-car development:

1. A layout in accordance with active design principles, with Water Lane providing an active travel spine to the neighbourhood centre and Marsh Barton Station, improved active travel routes along the Canal frontage and frequent, active green streets running towards the River Exe;
2. Low-car development supported by active travel measures that include mobility hubs to provide for public transport, active travel and shared mobility;
3. Provision of infrastructure for and contributions to public transport; 
4. Delivery of or contributions to a new pedestrian and cycle crossing of the Canal and River Exe; 
5. Contributions to off-site active travel routes including priority schemes in the Exeter Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan;
6. The provision of improved active travel and public transport access at Tan Lane under the Great West Mainline towards Marsh Barton; and
7. Electric vehicle charging points throughout the site. 
   1. Enhancement of the natural environment and Green Infrastructure:

E. Enhancement of the natural environment and Green Infrastructure:

1. Green Infrastructure provision in accordance with the Green Infrastructure Strategy including contributions to off-site provision
2. A mix of open space provision including for sport and recreation;
3. High quality green infrastructure linking to the Exeter Ship Canal and Riverside Valley Park; and
4. Mitigation contributions to ensure no adverse effect on the European Sites, in accordance with requirements set out in the South-east Devon Mitigation Strategy; and 
5. Biodiversity enhancements.

 F. An energy strategy that minimises carbon emissions (both operational and embodied), incorporates renewable and low carbon energy generation and helps to deliver, and connect to, local energy networks.

G. Appropriate measures to respond to, and ensure the continued operation of, the gas and electricity infrastructure network across the site.

H. Appropriate flood risk mitigation:

1. A layout informed by a detailed flood risk assessment which addresses flood risk from all sources ensuring consistency of approach with Marsh Barton;
2. Sustainable Urban Drainage to mitigate against flood risk and provision of the necessary infrastructure to help deliver the Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan; and 
3. Delivery of, or contributions to, an emergency access and egress route and access bridge over the Great Western Mainline linking to Marsh Barton. 

I. Conservation and enhancement of the historic environment:

1. A layout informed by archaeological and heritage assessment, evaluation and mitigation;
2. A built form that enhances the character and appearance of the Riverside Conservation Area and protects the settings of all listed buildings; and
3. Enhancement of the historic Canal, with key buildings, materials and industrial structures including the Gas Works Former Manager’s House retained and reused creatively to support a distinct character rooted in the area’s history.

J. Measures to support the continued operation of the waste operations close to the site.