Another large Build To Rent scheme is in the offing, this time in Devon’s capital city, Exeter.

Plans to build 246 BTR units and 188 co-living homes on the site of Haven Banks Retail Park near Exeter Quay have been recommended for approval by council officers – despite more than 350 objections

The application – for aq scheme described as delivering “a dynamic new neighbourhood” to Exeter – goes to the city council’s planning committee next week.

It has received 353 formal objections and just five responses in support of it. 

The main concerns are the scale and density of the development which will be from two to six storeys high which is taller than existing nearby buildings. 

Local residents say the brownfield site should be redeveloped but are calling for the plans to be more appropriate for the area. As well as the height, mass and shadow they have said will be cast by the proposal, residents and visitors have cited issues with the traffic, parking, and environmental impacts close to Exeter’s historic ship canal which was awarded heritage status in 2020.

The scheme has had a string of alterations made to it since the plans were first publicised in August 2022 by London developer Welbeck in partnership with Coplan Estates.