1,000 new homes given the go ahead in Exeter

Plans for a combined total of almost 1,000 new homes in Exeter have been given the go-ahead by the City Council.

The homes were proposed in eight planning applications that were agreed at the two October meetings of the City Council’s Planning Committee.

The proposals include over 200 affordable homes and contributions to local infrastructure, such as roads and schools, through legal agreements and future New Homes Bonus exceeding £18 million.

Three of the approved developments are at Newcourt, the others are Bishopscourt Quarry, off Sidmouth Road, St Loyes, Earl Richards Road and Mount Wear House on Countess Wear Road.

Richard Short, Assistant Director of City Development said: "Presently there is only one major housebuilder on site in Exeter. These decisions will enable starts to be made next year on half a dozen other sites enabling the completion of many more new homes. This will provide much needed housing, including affordable homes, fund infrastructure and create local employment. 

"The Government requires councils to have a five year supply of readily available housing land, these decisions much improve our position and enable us to better resist any inappropriate development.’

The Planning Committee also raised no objection to a school extension, approved details of a hotel and agreed the expansion of Exeter Chiefs' Sandy Park to a 20,000 capacity stadium with major new conference facilities.