Exeter Civic Society objects Planning Application for Energy Centre at Grace Road Fields

UPDATE: in May 2025, a new 'Design and Access Statement' has been published by the developer, taking into account a design review which had taken place. The overall footprint of the buildings has been reduced, as smaller units now have been integrated into the main building, which has risen to 3 floors in the newest plans. The building looks much more industrial than earlier depictions. There is increased landscaping around the plant. ECS is currently working on an additional response to our end of March letter. We now want to comment in more detail on the new plans and layout.

We submitted our objections to planning application of the proposed energy plant on the Grace Road Playing Fields at the end of March. Whilst we accept that an energy plant that uses low carbon sources is desirable, we are concerned that building such a facility within the Riverside Valley Park will result in the loss of a significant area of Green Infrastructure which we consider is essential to support future residents of brownfield development sites at Water Lane and Marsh Barton. We also consider that the applicant had not demonstrated sufficiently that this is the only site available and has not adequately investigated other sites and options. For these two reasons Exeter Civic Society objected to this application.

For our full response read our letter of objection from 23 March 2025: https://exetercivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ECS-letter-of-objection-for-Energy-Plant-Grace-Road-Fields-23-Mar-2025.pdf