Planning Permission Secured for Clarendon House, Exeter

Chapman Taylor is pleased to announce that a resolution to grant planning permission has been secured for the redevelopment of Clarendon House, marking an important milestone in the transformation of this key site within Exeter’s emerging Eastgate development area.

Designed for developer Zinc Real Estate, the scheme will deliver 297 high-quality Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) units at a prominent city-centre gateway location, opposite the recently completed St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre.

The vision is to create a vibrant student community supported by extensive internal and external amenity spaces, alongside a new Innovation Hub that will connect students with local enterprise and help strengthen graduate retention within the city.

The project has been shaped through an extensive consultation process involving Exeter City Council, Historic England, and the wider public. It also introduces a new landscaped pedestrian route linking the Triangle car park to Western Way, complemented by enhanced pedestrian crossings and wider public-realm improvements.

Chapman Taylor is pleased to announce that planning permission has been successfully granted for the comprehensive transformation of Clarendon House in Exeter. This important milestone follows the submission of a detailed planning application earlier this year and marks a key step forward in delivering a significant mixed-use redevelopment in the heart of the city.

The approved scheme reinvigorates the existing Clarendon House building, delivering a contemporary and sustainable destination that responds to Exeter’s evolving urban and economic context. The design reimagines the existing structure to create flexible, future-ready workspace, improved public realm and enhanced connectivity with its surrounding streets and neighbourhoods.

Chapman Taylor’s design approach for Clarendon House has focused on maximising high-quality internal environments, promoting active ground-floor uses and creating a positive civic presence on this prominent city centre site. The updated architectural language, materiality and façade articulation were developed in close collaboration with local stakeholders and planners to ensure the scheme respects the character and heritage of Exeter while adding modern, vibrant new spaces.

Securing planning approval reinforces the confidence of both public and private stakeholders in the project’s potential to contribute meaningfully to Exeter’s ongoing regeneration and economic growth. The development will provide a mix of flexible workspace, amenities and improved public realm that supports local business, community activity and urban vitality.

The Clarendon House project aligns with broader strategic goals for sustainable development and urban renewal in Exeter. Incorporating robust environmental performance targets and placemaking principles, the scheme is designed to deliver long-term value for occupiers and the city alike.

With planning permission now in place, Chapman Taylor and project partners will move forward to the next phase of delivery, including detailed design and stakeholder engagement, in preparation for construction.