Development News for Exeter, California

Committee Approves Mixed-Use Development with Reduced Affordable Housing Following Vacant Building Credit Application

The committee considered a full planning application for a mixed-use development on the former Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and Magistrates Court site on Hery Road. The proposal involves demolishing existing buildings and erecting student accommodation and co-living accommodation. This is a resubmission of a previous application considered in December, with the primary change being a reduction in the proposed affordable housing contribution due to the application of the national Vacant Building Credit policy. The applicant initially requested a reduction from 20% affordable housing to account for the credit, leading to a decrease in units from 83 to 39. After extensive discussion and legal advice, officers determined the Vacant Building Credit policy applies, reducing the affordable housing requirement to 14.5% or approximately 60-61 units. The applicant has now accepted the officer's preferred methodology for calculating this credit. The committee debated the implications of this reduction and ultimately approved the application with the amended affordable housing provision, subject to a Section 106 agreement.