St James: Concern Growing Over Rise in Multi-Occupant Properties
November 29, 2009 10:00 AM
Earlier this year due to concern about the growing level of multi-occupant properties within the area a petition from 350 residents calling for the whole of St. James to be declared a planning restraint area was submitted to Exeter City Council.
Sadly the Planning Member Working Group of the Council accepted the planning officer's recommendation that no further action be taken at this time until the council reviews another Document at the end of 2010. Cllr. Kevin Mitchell was the only member who voted against the recommendation as he felt the delay in taking action was far too long.
St James currently has 26.7% of its housing stock (585 households) within multiple occupation and since April 2007 an additional 72 homes have been replaced from family dwellings into multi-occupancy.
Cllr. Kevin Mitchell commented: "Residents are quite rightly concerned about this growing trend towards multiple occupancy within St James. Everyone accepts that the University and its students bring money to the economy and vibrancy to the community. However a balance needs to be achieved."
The University has pledged to accommodate 75% of its new students within purpose build accommodation. However, this is unlikely to be achieved until 2012/13 and it is unclear whether that pledge will be sustained. There is also minimal mention of purpose build accommodation within the University's own 'Streatham Campus development plan.
If you have any views or concerns about this issue then please contact the Head of Planning at Exeter City Council: Richard Short, Head of Planning, Exeter City Council, Civic Centre, Paris Street Exeter EX1 1JN.
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats