The scheme remains fundamentally unsuitable for this site. The development continues to be characterised by an inappropriate architectural approach, excessive and poorly resolved massing, and a failure to respond adequately to its context. As a result, it would cause demonstrable harm to both the local townscape and the wider Exeter skyline. Beyond these critical urban design failures, the proposed accommodation is not considered fit for purpose as permanent residential development. The significant reduction in ground-floor amenity and communal provision represents a clear deficiency and fails to meet accepted standards for residential quality and neighbourhood integration, including those set out in the London Plan. Together with our response we submitted 3 diagrams to further substantiate our rejection.
- We suggested that due to the extensive amendments to the plans that bring the whole development far below London Plan standards the revised application should be rejected unless
• architectural improvements are designed in,
• better community integration is sought,
• the raised concerns about the Plant Area are addressed, and
• amendments are made to return it to comply with or exceed the London Plan. We therefore suggest the reinstatement of:
o Block B roof terrace, potentially set-back to minimise the height impact
o A minimum 3sqm per resident internal amenity space, currently 1.96sqm
o Laundry facilities
o Lower ground floor WC
o Provision of supporting statement and detailed layout plans for communal kitchen amenities providing adequate food safety facilities including: A dedicated hand wash basin, a separate food prep sink, a separate washing up sink or dishwasher, and insect and pest control to balcony doors
For more details see our full response in the sidebar column.