Council leader says new homes in Exeter Car Park won't be student housing

Exeter City Council's Leader says two sites designated for new housing will not be turned into student housing.

It's after the Council's executive recommended the Mary Arches multi-storey car park be turned into residential homes.

It also recommended the same for land at Clifton Hill - but said existing open spaces, the golf driving range, and ski slopes should be retained.

However, Council Leader Phil Bialyk, rejected allowing the sites to be new student accommodation - despite a Council report saying this would provide the best value for money.

Mr Bialyk said:

“Our officers have the role of securing the best deal possible for the Council. But notwithstanding the advice from officers, I have to weigh up all the considerations to ensure we get the best deal for our communities. The people of Exeter need new homes, so we will bring these sites forward for new homes.

“Mary Arches is right in the city centre, it is sustainable and it is a great location to create new homes for the people of Exeter.

"I will stress again that it will not be purpose built student accommodation – it will be homes for the people of Exeter.”

Both sites had previously been earmarked by the Council's former development company, Exeter City Living, and will contribute towards recovering the value from its sale.

The plans will next be discussed by Councillors on 12 December.