Exeter City Council has approved a transformative redevelopment project in the Haven Banks area, with an estimated value of £400 million. This substantial undertaking is set to replace prominent existing structures, including the vacant Range store and Tenpin Exeter, paving the way for the construction of over 400 new homes.

Designed to revitalise the neighbourhood, the development comprises four blocks, each between five and six storeys, primarily offering flats. The project integrates retail, café/restaurant, and commercial spaces to create a mixed-use environment. Initially proposed last year and revised twice since, the development faced over 350 public objections, largely due to concerns about traffic, pollution, and privacy.

The city’s planning committee spent extensive time deliberating the proposal. Despite some councillors expressing concerns about the project’s fit with the council’s housing goals and its potential impact on the surrounding area, the redevelopment was ultimately seen as a positive step forward in rejuvenating the “tired” retail park.

Submitted by Coplan Estates and Welbeck CP, the project not only focuses on housing but also includes developer contributions towards local infrastructure and services, enhancing the overall benefit to the community.