'Exeter is swamped with students!' - Nine-storey student block divides residents

A nine-storey block of 108 student flats has been built in Exeter city centre on the site of the former King Billy pub, next to John Lewis. 

The development, approved by Exeter City Council, consists of self-contained studio apartments and is the latest in a series of large-scale student housing projects across the city. 

With the "significant increases" in the number of full-time students at the University of Exeter, according to the housing commission report, there is an "increased housing pressure in the city", as Lord Richard Best states. 

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Following this, the new development has already divided opinion among Exeter residents.

Some see the purpose-built student block as a positive step towards easing pressure off of private rental homes across the city.

At the same time, others see the nine-storey tower as unnecessary and unfair to those who live here. 

The debate comes amid growing pressure on Exeter's housing market, with student accommodation schemes often defended as a way to free up family homes but criticised by some who fear the city is becoming dominated by large-scale blocks. 

Exeter Today asked residents for their thoughts on the new development in a community Facebook group, where opinions were mixed. 

There were positive reviews surrounding this new build.

Marcus Kerr commented that he "enjoys the mix of ages and cultures that the student population brings to the city", with Emma Moore supporting this statement by saying that she has "learnt so much about [her] own culture through their eyes too". 

However, many objections towards the new development were stated, as angry comments flooded the post. 

Daniella Laity, said: "There is a need for student accommodation, but a greater need for residential housing for families and workers."

Along with another users' opinion that: "we need affordable homes for local working people and families in need". 

This appeared to be the dominant consensus towards this new student block, as Hanna Loe said: "If people want houses, then students should be moved out of them and put back into purpose-built accommodations like these buildings. Then you can have your 2-5 bed houses rented out to families, etc." 

Alongside this, many residents noted how "Exeter is swamped with students" and that "every time a place is emptied or demolished, student housing is the only thing to replace it with", said one user on Facebook. 

During planning meetings on Monday 8 September, Exeter City Council backed the scheme after an officer's report said: "The city centre is identified in policy as a suitable location for PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) and it would therefore be expected that a higher level of PBSA would occur here than in other areas. 

"In this instance, it is considered that the level of PBSA is acceptable in this location and would not result in any overconcentration or imbalance. 

"It should also be noted that PBSA now counts towards the council's housing land supply. The council cannot currently demonstrate a 5-year housing land supply and therefore, the tilted balance in favour of sustainable development is in effect. 

"The application is respectfully recommended for approval, subject to the conditions set out in the officer report and subject to the signing of the section 106 agreement, which requires contributions towards GP surgeries, implementation of the local costings towards the local energy network implementation, cycle infrastructure improvements and a management plan." 

The development has prompted residents to consider the future character of Exeter as the city expands.