Curb Student House Conversion in Exeter

An opportunity to stop the growth in the number of student houses in Exeter (until 3rd July)

The Student Housing Problem

Developers and landlords have converted many houses near to Exeter University's main Campus into shared student accommodation called Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs).

One small area off Union Road has a very high percentage of houses converted into Student HMOs. In 2010 Exeter City Council introduced a restriction on further conversions (known as the Article 4 Directive). This requires planning permission to convert.

The restriction has been effective but the Council has recognised that it needs extending to a wider area because new HMOs are being developed outside the original controlled area. These developments are eroding the Council’s aims for “balanced communities”.

Specific issues experienced by locals due to a lack of balance include:

  • community decline
  • late night noise
  • increased mess including refuse and broken glass
  • reduced parking availability for part of the year

Options for New Restricted Area

The Council commissioned a report on extending the current area of restrictions and are now looking for your views on it before 3 July. There are four proposed options for a larger restricted area. These are:

  1. stick with the current area: see option 1 map
  2. enlarge the area a little: see option 2 map
  3. enlarge the area a lot: see option 3 map>
  4. enlarge the area to cover the whole city

Thoughts

The current Council view is that Option 2 is to be preferred.

However, there are many residents who would prefer a city-wide restriction, Option 4, but it seems that this option is beset by planning difficulties.

We'd like suggest you consider supporting Option 3 when you reply to the consultation. The report states that for Option 3 (page 47 section 6.19) “The logic of balancing housing provision for this sector …is robust and can be justified as compliant with guidance”. This being the case we see no logical reason for not implementing it now. If it is not implemented, we suggest it will only be a matter of time before it is needed.

What You Can Do

You have a short opportunity to find out more and provide feedback to the Council. The deadline is 3 July 2023. You can:

Public Exhibition Days

You can look at the maps and talk to Council staff on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 7 June, 1pm-7pm: Exeter Guildhall, High Street, EX4 3EB
  • Tuesday 13 June, 1.30pm-7pm: Newtown Community Centre, Belmont Park, EX1 2HQ
  • Tuesday 20 June, 1pm-7pm: St James Church Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, EX4 7AH