Society objects to Exeter College swapping Changing Rooms for Classrooms for the former site of Exwick Changing Rooms

The Society has sent a letter of objection to Exeter City Council planners for Exeter College's proposals to construct classrooms at the site of the former changing rooms instead of the promised new changing rooms with classrooms on the first floor which received planning approval from Exeter City Council in February 2023. Alongside this proposal is a proposal for an artificial turf pitch nearby on Flowerpot fields, which also has planning approval, and whilst the college is also seeking amendments for this in its current application to amend proposals, these are in-line with the planning approval. Whist the society had concerns about the provision of an artificial turf pitch being constructed in the city's riverside valley park when the original application was submitted in 2021, we did not disagree with the proposal to replace the 1980s changing rooms with a sports pavilion with a viewing gallery at Exwick fields which included changing rooms, classrooms, and a viewing gallery to support the cricket wicket use.
In February 2024 the College submitted a planning application to make amendments to the changing pavilion and the all weather pitch. The changes to the pavilion were primarily to relocate the plant room to the roof, effectively adding a third level which we consider would have made the building unattractive. And when we received notification in September from the planning department that revised plans had been submitted (RECONSULTATION OF REVISED SCHEME – Demolition of existing building to provide a new Sports Pavilion and All-Weather 3G Pitch. (Variation of condition 2 of planning permission 21/1710/FUL to amend the design of the sports pavilion and, including new roof plant, and amend the position, fencing and visitor/player viewing areas of the 3G Pitch.), we were not initially concerned because the description states that it is for a new Sports Pavilion and All-Weather 3G Pitch. However, upon inspecting the amending proposals it became clear that the college is now applying for a single storey classroom block with sports changing now intended to take place at the Exwick Hub off Exwick Road.
Our objection is in two parts.
1. We believe that it is not possible to apply for a variation of the approved application that fundamentally changes the proposals from changing rooms to classrooms – it’s like substituting apples for pears in your shopping basket.
2. Exwick playing fields are located in the Riverside Valley, and the city council’s local plan says that no buildings are permitted unless they support the use of the area. In this case, the changing rooms support the sports use of the area, but a teaching block clearly does not. In all the planning applications for these proposals the College says the facilities will support their arrangement with Exeter Chiefs Rugby club to support their Academy, and previously said that there will be access for community use outside of core use. However, if the current proposals are approved, it will clearly be supporting a private arrangement between the College and Exeter Rugby club, and also be a loss for community sports.
See our letter of objection.